MADISON -- First Lady Jessica Doyle joined state health officials in warning parents and teachers about the increasing incidence of pertussis, or "whooping cough," in Wisconsin.
"During this time of year when children are returning to school, they easily spread highly-contagious diseases like pertussis," the Doyle said. "Adding to the problem is that kids don't want to miss their classes or after-school activities, and may go to school even when they are not feeling well."
State and local public health officials have contacted school administrators and staff to alert them to signs and symptoms of pertussis. Children who exhibit signs of pertussis need to be evaluated by their doctors and should not be in school until it has been determined that they are not infectious, according to Dr. Jeff Davis, chief medical officer and state epidemiologist for communicable diseases at the Wisconsin Division of Public Health.
Although the nationwide incidence of pertussis is higher than last year, Wisconsin's rate is particularly high, reflecting Wisconsin's vigilance in identifying cases of pertussis.
In addition, Wisconsin has sophisticated diagnostic tools at the State Laboratory of Hygiene and in other laboratories. "Because early identification of the pertussis bacteria is critical for prompt treatment, this test helps medical providers distinguish the cough of a common cold from the potentially dangerous pertussis," Davis said.
Pertussis may infect anyone; however children less than one year of age whom have not been vaccinated are at greater risk of complications and hospitalization.
The pertussis vaccine currently used is about 60 percent to 90 percent effective in preventing the illness, but is only recommended for children under seven years of age.
Because pertussis is spread by close contact, transmission in households is very common. Family members can infect infants and younger children. When pertussis is confirmed in a household, all family members and close family contacts such as sitters and daycare providers should be treated with antibiotics to prevent further spread.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health
Stay prepared and protected with Infection Control Today's newsletter, delivering essential updates, best practices, and expert insights for infection preventionists.
Reducing Hidden Risks: Why Sharps Injuries Still Go Unreported
July 18th 2025Despite being a well-known occupational hazard, sharps injuries continue to occur in health care facilities and are often underreported, underestimated, and inadequately addressed. A recent interview with sharps safety advocate Amanda Heitman, BSN, RN, CNOR, a perioperative educational consultant, reveals why change is overdue and what new tools and guidance can help.
New Study Explores Oral Vancomycin to Prevent C difficile Recurrence, But Questions Remain
July 17th 2025A new clinical trial explores the use of low-dose oral vancomycin to prevent Clostridioides difficile recurrence in high-risk patients taking antibiotics. While the data suggest a possible benefit, the findings stop short of statistical significance and raise red flags about vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), underscoring the delicate balance between prevention and antimicrobial stewardship.
The Next Frontier in Infection Control: AI-Driven Operating Rooms
Published: July 15th 2025 | Updated: July 15th 2025Discover how AI-powered sensors, smart surveillance, and advanced analytics are revolutionizing infection prevention in the OR. Herman DeBoard, PhD, discusses how these technologies safeguard sterile fields, reduce SSIs, and help hospitals balance operational efficiency with patient safety.
CDC Urges Vigilance: New Recommendations for Monitoring and Testing H5N1 Exposures
July 11th 2025With avian influenza A(H5N1) infections surfacing in both animals and humans, the CDC has issued updated guidance calling for aggressive monitoring and targeted testing to contain the virus and protect public health.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.