Whooping Cough: ( Pertussis )

         A largely overlooked disease on the rise among vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Among vaccinated children, incidence is highest in children younger than 4 months of age. It is characterized by a nonproductive cough, occurring in rapid succession culminating in vomiting, chocking  and sometimes stopping breathing.  Child looks minimally ill during cough free periods.  Diagnosis is made with a PCR test of the nasopharyngeal secretions.  Elevated white count with a predominance of Lymphocytes is a common feature.  Child continues to be contagious while the cough is active.  Treatment is with 14 days of Erythromycin. Household contacts should be treated with 7 days of Erythromycin.