Pertussis: Exposure Criteria

Pertussis spreads primarily through droplets coughed into the air. Exposures occur when an individual is in close contact with an infected case.

Close contact includes:

• Living in the same household
• Sharing a confined space for > 1 hour (e.g., same classroom, daycare, automobile)
• Direct face-to-face contact with someone with pertussis while they are coughing
• Exposure confirmed by official notification (i.e., letter from Health Dept or school; 
school exposures may require additional investigation)

Note: Broader use of PEP should be considered in individuals at high risk for severe or complicated disease

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.