Outbreaks of Respiratory Illness Mistakenly Attributed to Pertussis -- New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Tennessee, 2004-2006.

This article presents news from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In this study, the CDC looked at outbreaks of respiratory illness in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Tennessee during 2004-2006 that were mistakenly thought to be cases of pertussis or whooping cough. Cases of the disease have been increasing in the U.S. due to the circulation of Bordetella pertussis and waning vaccination in communities. There are not fast, sensitive tests for pertussis which can make definitive diagnosis difficult. The cases in the three states are examined. Vaccination efforts need to be increased to prevent the disease.