Pertussis in the United States (Update)

11 Aug 2014

Pertussis cases continue to be reported from several states of the United States of America. The Department of Public Health for the state of California has reported 760 new cases of pertussis in a two week period ending 4 August 2014. A total of 6930 cases has been recorded for California in 2014.

The state of Michigan has reported a 45% increase in pertussis cases in 2014, with 546 cases recorded as of end July. Similar increases have also been reported from the states of Ohio and Florida.

Advice for Travellers

It should be confirmed that children have received their recommended doses of pertussis vaccine in accordance with the UK schedule. The JCVI recommends pertussis boosters for pregnant women, but not for other adults in the UK.