California Whooping Cough Outbreaks

Monday 24 January 2011 @ 5:33 pm

According to the California Dental Association, on at least two occasions, over the past two years, whopping cough outbreaks have appeared in California. Once in July 2009, the second in August 2010. The most recent number of cases is 7X the number from the previous year. The California Department of Public Health recommends that all health care personnel be immunized with Tdap to protect themselves and their patients.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called bordetella pertussis.

Cal/OSHA has announced that all employers covered by the Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard (ATDS) are required to offer Tdap vaccinations to potentially exposed employees. Dentists, and hygienists are not required to comply except under certain circumstances. To find out more, read the standards for Aerosol Transmissible Disease Standard for dental professionals.

Dental personnel should notice if a patient has a cold or is coughing, and if apparent, inquire if the patient has had exposure to whooping cough. If exposed, or experiencing symptoms, dental personnel should refrain from exposure to patients and co-workers, until treated.

If you don’t have a dentist, find a local dentist here.

Tweet This Post