Lessons learnt from the management of multiple contacts of a case of pertussis in a delivery suite

Abstract

The recent epidemic of pertussis in NSW has included many cases among adults. Delays in the diagnosis and notification of pertussis can result in the exposure of large numbers of susceptible persons, particularly when the case is a health worker. This article describes a case of pertussis in a health care worker who, while infectious, had multiple contacts with patients and their families in a maternity unit; and the response of the local public health unit and the hospital infection-control staff.