Pertussis-like syndrome in primary care practice

Abstract

Objective – The aim of the paper is to describe the complexity of pertussis-like syndrome in primary health care practice, and to highlight consequences of vaccine hesitancy. Case reports – We described five cases of pertussis-like syndrome in pediatric practice. Patients were unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated against pertussis due to parental refusal. There was intrafamilial and interfamilial spread of infection. Conclusion – Evaluation and treatment of pertussis-like syndrome remain challenging in primary health care practice. Dealing with vaccine hesitancy requires an adequate understanding and answer. Vaccine refusal increases the individual risk of disease but also increases the risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.