Relevant Population Characteristics for Pertussis Cases

Relevant Population Characteristics

Although pertussis affects all populations, the majority of cases in Utah and the U.S. are seen in children less than 14 years of age. Adolescents and adults generally have milder symptoms often without the characteristic "whoop" that alerts clinicians to the possibility of pertussis. Because of this, pertussis is most likely highly under-detected and under-reported in older age groups. Infants and young children are more likely to be accurately diagnosed with pertussis because they tend to have more severe symptoms and often suffer complications. A major source of pertussis infection in infants and young children is an older sibling or adult caregiver (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.).