ALERT - Pertussis Information

Please be advised that there has been an increase in the number of children with acute pertussis (whooping cough) in the region, including one recent death in PICU. These cases appear to be more common in young children who did not receive in-utero vaccination.

​A guideline from the South Thames Retrieval Service (STRS - based at the Evelina) is included below with recommendation for early escalation to PICU if children with pertussis are showing an increased or rising WCC due to the recognised high risk of morbidity and mortality from leucocytosis and organ failure. 

Public health recommendations are also in place for paediatric staff who work with pregnant women, neonates or infants to consider the need for booster vaccination to prevent nosocomial spread. Please discuss this with your local occupational health department.