Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. People with pertussis (whooping cough) are extremely contagious and usually spread the disease by coughing or sneezing while in close contact with others. Symptoms usually develop within 5-10 days after exposure, but sometimes up to 3 weeks later. These symptoms can last for 1-2 weeks. Later symptoms include the gradual onset of coughing, which develops into fits of rapid coughs, sometimes with a classic inspiratory whoop as the patient gasps for air, and sometimes with post-coughing vomiting and exhaustion. The cough can persist for 6 weeks or longer. In small infants, the cough can be minimal or nonexistent and they may become apneic (stop breathing). Infants younger than 1 year, especially the youngest infants and those who are incompletely immunized, are the most likely to have serious illness and require hospitalization. Deaths are rare, but most likely to occur in infants under 3 months of age. Vaccination against Pertussis remains the strongest prevention against this disease. Immunization during the last trimester of pregnancy, as well as current vaccination of the individuals who will be in contact with an infant, are vital health protection measures for infants during the time they are too young to receive vaccination.
Resources
Public:
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Whooping Cough | CDC
- Whooping Cough Vaccination | Whooping Cough | CDC
- About Whooping Cough | Whooping Cough | CDC
Healthcare Providers:
- Clinical Overview of Pertussis | Whooping Cough | CDC
- Communicable Disease Reporting Form
- Submit a specimen for laboratory testing
- Rules
Laboratories:
- Learn about laboratory testing for this disease
- Communicable Disease Reporting Form
- Submit a specimen for laboratory testing
Other Resources:
