Pertussis: How to Determine a ‘Close Contact’
A “close contact” refers to someone who has been in close proximity to a person infectious with pertussis (whooping cough) and may have been exposed to the disease. It is important to notify people exposed to pertussis because they can call their doctor and discuss whether to take preventative antibiotics. People who have pertussis are infectious starting from the initial onset of cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and/or sore throat, through 21 days after their cough first developed.
Key Considerations:
- Household contacts: Those living in the same home as an infected person are at the highest risk for becoming sick with pertussis. This includes family and in-home caregivers, as well as people who spend time in the infected person’s home like close friends and overnight guests.
- Face-to-face contact for 1 hour: Prolonged and close interaction, such as sitting close to someone in class, at work, or in a car, can increase the risk of exposure.
- Direct contact with respiratory or oral secretions: Mucus is highly infectious for pertussis, so anything that may have mucus on it can be infectious to others. Infection can occur after being sneezed or coughed on. Exposure can also occur through kissing, sharing items that has been in other mouths (like food, beverages, vapes, cigarettes, or lipstick), or even when children put toys in their mouths that have been in contact with someone infected.
Examples of close contacts in different settings:
In Children
- Best friends: Individuals that spend a lot of time with an infected person may be exposed.
- Desk buddies: If a student sits next to an infected student, they may be exposed.
- Carpool friends: Students who ride together in the same vehicle.
- Lunch buddies: Sharing meals or sitting close together.
- Shared items: Exchanging personal items like lipstick, vapes, or cigarettes.
- Sports teams: Teammates who have close interactions or who carpooled together.
- Daycare classroom exposure: Toddlers often interact closely with each other with their hands and mouths.
- Infant rooms: Infants who crawl or interact with shared toys can be at risk. Infants who are not yet mobile might not be exposed, however please consult your doctor! Infants are at the highest risk for severe disease.
If you believe you have been exposed, it’s important to monitor your health and consult a healthcare provider. This especially important for high-risk groups like infants or people with respiratory conditions.
Questions?
Call the Barnstable County Care Line at (774) 330-3001 or email us at care@capecod.gov. You can also contact your local health department or school nurse to help assess a potential exposure.
