BACKGROUND:
Pertussis is a potentially serious vaccine-preventable disease. Although this disease is vaccine preventable, Texas has experienced high levels of pertussis morbidity since 2000. The number of pertussis cases has steadily risen from 327 in 2000 to 1,240 in 2002. Twelve Texas babies have died from pertussis since 2001. The majority of pertussis hospitalizations are in Texas babies less than one year of age. However, most Texans are not aware that pertussis still exists.

OBJECTIVE:
The mission of the pertussis website is to: 1) increase pertussis awareness; and 2) improve reporting of suspected pertussis cases to local health authorities and the Texas Department of Health

METHOD:
The Texas Department of Health and the Texas Public Health Association hosted a pertussis conference in Austin, Texas. The conference was held June 22, 2002 and designed primarily for physicians. The conference served as an educational tool to help physicians learn about the epidemiology of pertussis, signs and symptoms of pertussis, pertussis testing, interpretation of the results, and treatment of pertussis cases and contacts.

RESULT:
As a result of the pertussis conference, a pertussis website was developed for educational purposes. The site is the home of the Texas Department of Health’s continuing education independent study activity called Controlling Pertussis in Texas. The site allows physicians to earn 2.5 continuing medical education credits and nurses to earn 2.5 continuing nurse education credits.

CONCLUSION:
Having a website devoted primarily to promote awareness about pertussis, will help in diagnosing and treating pertussis cases in the future. In years to come, this website will play a vital role in reducing pertussis deaths and hospitalizations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Attendees will become knowledgeable about innovative strategies 1) to promote pertussis awareness; and 2) to involve public health professionals in promoting pertussis.