The Texas Department of State Health Services reported a sharp increase in pertussis, also called whooping cough, in the Lubbock region.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the spread of pertussis has been documented in many health care settings, including hospitals and emergency departments serving children and adults, outpatient clinics, nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

The CDC recommends health care personnel who have direct patient contact receive a single dose of Tdap if they have not previously received one. The Tdap vaccination can protect health care personnel against pertussis and help reduce transmission to others.

All TTP employees with direct patient contact are encouraged to get a vaccination. Contact Diane Baker in Employee Health and Infection Prevention at 743-4005 or diane.baker@ttuhsc.edu for more information.