title: Epidemiological situation of pertussis and strategies to control it: Argentina, 2002-2011.
abstract: Pertussis is a challenge for public health.
  
  
  
  To describe pertussis-related morbidity and mortality and immunization coverage for the 2002-2011 period, profile of cases for 2011, and control strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Argentina.
  
  
  
  Descriptive, epidemiological surveillance study. Morbidity data were obtained from the National Health Surveillance System, while mortality data were obtained from the MoH's Health Statistics and Information Department and official jurisdictional reports. Administrative immunization coverage was used based on the data provided by the MoH's jurisdictions. The Epi Info software, version 7.1.2, was used for analysis.
  
  
  
  The number of reported cases of pertussis increased between 2002 and 2011, reaching its peak in 2011: an incidence of 16 x 100 000 inhabitants, and 76 deaths. Most deaths occurred in infants younger than 1 year old. Immunization coverage achieved at a national level with the third dose and the dose administered at the time of starting primary education was >90%, while the coverage achieved with the first booster dose was 80%-90%. In 2011, 2821 confirmed cases were reported (incidence of 7 x 100 000 inhabitants): 84% in infants <1 year old; 76 deaths: 97% in infants <1 year old (60.5% in infants <2 months old). Among the strategies that were deployed, a total of 906 clinical nodes and 405 laboratory nodes were consolidated; the use of the polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic method and the differential classification of cases were implemented, and additional vaccine doses were administered.
  
  
  
  The number of pertussis cases increased between 2002 and 2011; the highest morbidity and mortality occurred in infants younger than 1 year old; immunization coverage reached 80%-90%. . The highest number of pertussis-related deaths was recorded in 2011. The MoH strengthened the epidemiological surveillance and set guidelines for control measures.
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Viviana
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Romanin
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Vanina
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Agustinho
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Gloria
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Califano
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sagradini
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Analía
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Aquino
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: María del Valle
authors.initials: Mdel V
authors.lastname: Juárez
authors.affiliation: Dirección de Epidemiología, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Julián
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Antman
authors.affiliation: Dirección de Epidemiología, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Giovacchini
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Pertussis, INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán.
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Galas
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia de Pertussis, INEI-ANLIS Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lara
authors.affiliation: Laboratorio Nacional de Referencia Coqueluche, Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata.
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Hozbor
authors.affiliation: Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.
authors.forename: Angela
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gentile
authors.affiliation: Programa Nacional de Control de Enfermedades Inmunoprevenibles, Ministerio de Salud de la Nación, Argentina.
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vizzotti
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001118:Argentina / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D062665:Epidemiological Monitoring; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010567:Pertussis Vaccine; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*
chemical_list: D010567:Pertussis Vaccine