Pertussis Surveillance in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in Western United States – 2010-2014

Introduction Bordetella pertussis infection (whooping cough) has been on the rise and the most cases in the US since 1955 were reported in 2012 (48,277 or 15.4 per 100,000)1. Pertussis is highly infectious and can cause serious illness in infants and children as well as adults, and in general is preventable by vaccination. Since 2005, it has been recommended that anyone 19-64 years old should have a onetime booster of the pertussis vaccine (Tdap). In 2010, that recommendation was broadened stating people 65 years old and older should also obtain a booster of Tdap. Given the increased number of pertussis cases in the Western US, and that approximately 20% of these cases occurred in patients >20 years of age, we performed pertussis surveillance in Veterans in care at VA medical facilities.