Case definition
Paroxysms of coughing, characteristic high-pitched inspiratory whoop.
Specimen
Nasopharyngeal aspirate or cough plate
Contact the laboratory for details prior to specimen collection.
Laboratory
National Public Health Lab (Bacteriology section)
Timeline for investigation
48 hours
Source: National Surveillance Manual
How it’s monitored
Notified as it occurs and followed up with an investigation report. The weekly bulletin gives confirmed cases for the year to date, beside last year’s. Pertussis-like syndrome is confirmed on clinical grounds.