TY - JOUR T1 - Pertussis: Old foe, persistent problem JF - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO - Cleve Clin J Med SP - 601 LP - 608 VL - 72 IS - 7 AU - Camille Sabella Y1 - 2005/07/01 UR - http://www.ccjm.org/content/72/7/601.abstract N2 - Although a safe and effective vaccine is available, pertussis continues to be an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Immunity acquired from natural infection or vaccination wanes within 5 years, making older children, adolescents, and adults important reservoirs of infection. Many neonates and infants contract pertussis from older people with mild symptoms and are at risk for developing severe, life-threatening illness. Immunization programs are being considered for adolescents and for adults who live with or care for infants. ER -