PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Camille Sabella TI - Pertussis: Old foe, persistent problem DP - 2005 Jul 01 TA - Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine PG - 601--608 VI - 72 IP - 7 4099 - http://www.ccjm.org/content/72/7/601.short 4100 - http://www.ccjm.org/content/72/7/601.full SO - Cleve Clin J Med2005 Jul 01; 72 AB - 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.