Diagnosing Pertussis

Disease Fact Sheet (PDF 15 KB)

If you suspect that you or your child may have pertussis, you should contact your health care provider immediately.

PCR testing by nasal wash is the recommended diagnostic test for pertussis.

It is especially important to collect specimens from symptomatic persons who may spread pertussis to a new setting or who are contacts to a probable case.

Diagnostic Notes

• Nasal wash

• Pertussis can be detected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), even after treatment.

• Children's Hospital accepts nasal wash only.

Reporting

• Complete List of Reportable Diseases
• Reporting Assistance Program (RAP)

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