How should close contacts of individuals diagnosed with pertussis be managed?

Providing antibiotic prophylaxis for all household members of an individual diagnosed with pertussis is crucial in managing close contacts. Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. When someone is diagnosed with pertussis, it is important to prevent the spread of the infection to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated individuals, especially in young children and infants who are at higher risk for severe complications.

Antibiotic prophylaxis can help eliminate the bacteria from close contacts, thus reducing the risk of developing the illness themselves and preventing further transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all household members and other close contacts, regardless of their vaccination status, receive antibiotic treatment as a preventive measure.

In contrast, simply monitoring symptoms without treatment could result in unrecognized cases spreading to others. Administering the vaccine only if symptomatic does not address immediate protection for those at risk. Isolation for two weeks is not practical nor sufficient to prevent the spread of the disease, as contacts need to be treated to reduce their risk effectively. Therefore, ensuring close contacts receive antibiotic prophylaxis is the most effective strategy to manage potential cases of pertussis.