Re-Emergence of Pertussis in the US: Risks and Prevention
Tuesday, January 27 | 3 – 4 p.m. CT
In this upcoming Grand Rounds, Flor Muñoz, MD, MSc, will discuss the re-emergence of pertussis (whooping cough), a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Despite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, declining vaccination coverage has contributed to a resurgence of pertussis. Muñoz will highlight current epidemiologic trends, mechanisms of transmission, and prevention strategies, with particular attention to the risks faced by infants, pregnant women, and older adults.
Muñoz is an associate professor of pediatrics, infectious diseases, molecular virology and microbiology at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital. She is a physician-scientist with research activities focusing on the evaluation of vaccine safety and efficacy in special populations, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with compromised immune systems.
