Bordetella Pertussis: Post-Exposure Protocol in Healthcare Workers at a Portuguese Hospital: PROTOCOLO DE ATUAÇÃO PARA PROFISSIONAIS DE SAÚDE APÓS EXPOSIÇÃO EM HOSPITAL PORTUGUÊS
Synopsis
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. Although vaccination has significantly reduced the incidence of the disease, immunity is not long-lasting, making healthcare professionals (HCPs) particularly vulnerable to infection and potential vectors for hospital transmission. Objectives: To establish a post-exposure action protocol for healthcare professionals following Bordetella pertussis exposure in a Portuguese hospital, based on national and international recommendations. Methodology: A literature search was conducted on pertussis, which included guidelines from public health organizations and scientific articles indexed in PubMed/MEDLINE (2010-2025), using MeSH descriptors and keywords ("Pertussis", "Bordetella pertussis", "Vaccination", "Post-Exposure Prophylaxis", "Occupational Health", "Disease Outbreaks"). Results: The protocol establishes criteria for defining risk contact among HCPs, reinforces the importance of vaccination, and standardizes laboratory diagnostic methods. Key interventions focus on Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) targeted at risk contacts and the management of fitness for work. Conclusions: Implementing a structured protocol for HCPs exposed to Bordetella pertussis is crucial to controlling hospital outbreaks and preventing the infection of vulnerable patients.
