WHOOPING COUGH: THREAT TO HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Course overview

Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a contagious respiratory disease caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Bordetella pertussis, which spreads primarily through respiratory droplets. Numerous outbreaks have occurred in healthcare settings, posing a serious threat to healthcare workers, patients, and their families. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the threat of whooping cough to healthcare workers, including its clinical presentation, symptoms, and treatment, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.