Pertussis (Bordetella pertussis) “Whooping Cough”

2020 Case Definition

CSTE Position Statement Number: 19-ID-08

Clinical Case Definition

In the absence of a more likely diagnosis, a cough illness lasting ≥2 weeks with at least one of the following signs or symptoms:

• Paroxysms of coughing, OR
• Inspiratory “whoop,” OR
• Posttussive vomiting, OR
• Apnea (with or without cyanosis)

Laboratory Criteria for Diagnosis

• Isolation of B. pertussis from a clinical specimen
• Positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for B. pertussis

Epidemiologic linkage

• Contact with a laboratory-confirmed case of pertussis.

Case Classification

Probable:

• In the absence of a more likely diagnosis, illness meeting the clinical criteria, OR
• Illness with cough of any duration, with
• • At least one of the following signs or symptoms:
  • • Paroxysms of coughing, or
    • Inspiratory “whoop”, or
    • Posttussive vomiting, or
    • Apnea (with or without cyanosis)
  • AND
  • Contact with a laboratory confirmed case (epidemiologic linkage)

Confirmed:

• Acute cough illness of any duration with
• • Isolation of B. pertussis from a clinical specimen, OR
  • PCR positive for B. pertussis

Date Posted: August 19, 2020