IMPACT OF PERTUSSIS ON THE AFFLICTED CHILD AND FAMILY

The effects of pertussis in an unimmunized Population were investigated in 61 children consecutively identified by positive culture for Bordetella pertussis. Parents were interviewed twice, at a mean of 3 and 11 weeks after onset of symptoms. All children had a disease duration of more than 3 weeks. Behavioral changes were reported for 84% of the study children. Parents reported negative effects for themselves in 95% and for siblings in 63% of the families. The main problems were disturbance of night sleep, staying home from work and isolation of the family. Parental knowledge of the disease was generally good; a majority had few contacts with the medical services and coped with the disease themselves. Serious concerns for the child were reported by 51% of parents and fears for permanent sequelae by 10%. The attitude to pertussis vaccination was positive in 89% of cases at both interviews. The study has thus shown that pertussis in an unimmunized child population represents a heavy burden.