Keywords

Infantile malignant pertussis, Infants, Pertussis, Respiratory disease

Authors

1. Kundrat, Sarah L. RN, BSN, CCRN
2. Wolek, Terry L. RN, MS
3. Rowe-Telow, Margaret RNC, BS

Abstract

Infantile malignant pertussis is characterized by severe respiratory failure, pulmonary hypertension, leukocytosis, and death. Bordetella pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease that is becoming a much more globally prevalent condition contributing to more and more infant deaths each year. This article examines 2 such cases and the hospital's internal and community-based programs initiated to help protect these vulnerable infants.