title: Management of pertussis in a nurse at a special care baby unit.
abstract: A case of pertussis in a nurse at a special care baby unit prompted the identification of both neonates and healthcare staff with significant exposure to the index case. Respiratory tract samples were collected from all neonates involved and prophylactic erythromycin given. Only healthcare staff who developed symptoms were investigated and offered treatment. Though no secondary cases were identified in this instance, the importance of the early recognition of pertussis in adult healthcare workers is highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Conquest Hospital, St Leonards on Sea, East Sussex. paul.wright@esht.nhs.uk
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Joce
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Whincup
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wincup
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018890:Chemoprevention; D016358:Contact Tracing; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017757:Infectious Disease Transmission, Professional-to-Patient / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006113:United Kingdom; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine; D004917:Erythromycin