New cases of pertussis continue to be identified within the community and have been reported among people of different ages, and in various settings, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to public health guidance.

The identification of new cases shows the disease is still spreading locally and continued preventive measures are needed to reduce the risk of further spread. Health authorities continue to monitor disease activity closely to support ongoing public health decision-making.

Our surveillance systems continue to demonstrate pertussis activity in the Cayman Islands and support an informed public health response. Although current disease activity does not indicate wide-spread community transmission, preventing exposure among infants and other high-risk groups remains a priority. We encourage the public to follow public health guidance and ensure vaccinations are up to date.
Dr. Hilary Wolf, Chief Medical Officer

Current response efforts are focused on reducing the public health impact of the outbreak while protecting those most vulnerable. Other priority actions include reducing opportunities for the disease to spread, maintaining public awareness and preparedness across the healthcare system, promoting vaccinations and closely monitoring disease activity to ensure appropriate public health measures remain in place.

Dr. Wolf added: “The Ministry and the Public Health Department will continue to work closely with healthcare providers, schools, and community partners to monitor disease activity, support case management and contact follow up, promote vaccination, strengthen public awareness, and ensure that appropriate measures remain in place to respond to any changes in the epidemiological situation."

Public health teams are continuing to conduct enhanced surveillance, follow-up on cases, target interventions in affected settings, work closely with healthcare providers and educational institutions, conduct public awareness activities, and expand access to immunisation services, to help prevent further spread.

Pertussis is a vaccine-preventable disease, yet we continue to see cases in the community, particularly among infants who are not yet fully protected through vaccination. The continued identification of cases serves as an important reminder that immunisation, early recognition of symptoms, and following public health advice remain critical components of our response.
Dr Samuel Williams-Rodriguez, Medical Officer of Health

Community outreach immunisation clinics

Routine school-based Tdap vaccination activities continue across Cayman Islands schools as part of the national immunisation programme.

The additional outreach clinics are intended to complement these efforts by expanding opportunities for immunisation review and vaccination where indicated.

Clinic Schedule

SIDE BAR:

Pertussis information and community outreach clinics

What is pertussis?

Pertussis, commonly known as Whooping Cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person.

Symptoms

Members of the public should seek medical advice if they develop symptoms consistent with pertussis, particularly following close contact with a confirmed case.

Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent cough lasting more than one week.
  • Severe coughing fits.
  • Vomiting following coughing episodes.
  • Difficulty breathing during coughing episodes.
  • A characteristic "whooping" sound following coughing fits.

Isolation guidance

Individuals diagnosed with pertussis should remain at home and avoid attending school, work, childcare facilities, social gatherings, and other public settings for up to 21 days until they have completed the recommended antibiotic treatment and have been advised that they are no longer considered infectious.

Persons experiencing symptoms should minimise close contact with others, particularly infants, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with underlying health conditions, until medical advice has been obtained.