With pertussis cases on the rise, Michigan’s latest health bulletin urges senior living facilities and healthcare providers to stay vigilant. The October 2024 update highlights an increase in pertussis cases, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations, especially for infants, children, and those at heightened risk in community settings. 

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease. Despite the vaccine’s availability, cases have been climbing, in part due to declining immunization rates among children. According to Michigan’s Disease Surveillance System, pertussis cases have reached 723 so far this year, up from pre-pandemic levels. The state recommends that healthcare providers, including those in senior living facilities, adopt CDC vaccination schedules for all residents and encourage booster doses for adults to help reduce transmission risk. 

Vaccination remains the best preventive measure. CDC guidelines recommend a five-dose DTaP series for young children, a Tdap booster for adolescents, and regular boosters for adults every 10 years. For pregnant people, a Tdap dose between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation provides essential protection for newborns. These measures help build community immunity and protect the most vulnerable, including older adults in senior living facilities. 

The State of Michigan offers detailed guidance on whooping cough symptoms, noting that early signs—like a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—can mimic a common cold but may progress to severe coughing fits. 

To help prevent spread within close communities, pertussis exposure requires quick action. The bulletin advises healthcare providers to administer prophylactic antibiotics within three weeks of exposure for close contacts of confirmed cases, following MDHHS and CDC recommendations. Early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of a larger outbreak. 

With this renewed call to action, senior living facilities can lead the way in protecting residents from pertussis through timely vaccinations and proactive care. As always, prioritizing prevention helps create healthier spaces for everyone. 

Stay well and stay informed!