Pertussis in adolescents: increasing incidence brings attention to the need for booster immunization of adolescents.

As a result of waning immunity and improved awareness, the reported incidence of pertussis is increasing among adolescents in the United States. Symptoms of pertussis are often mild and difficult to diagnose in adolescents, but these individuals can transmit the infection to schoolmates and family members, including high risk infants. Improvements in diagnosis and prevention of pertussis in adolescents are needed.