Pertussis

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. It affects people of all ages, but is most severe in infants younger than 1 year old. Symptoms typically start with a persistent cough followed by long bouts of coughing that end in a “whooping” sound. It can cause serious health complications and even death, especially among infants.

Symptoms

The symptoms of pertussis usually appear 7-10 days after being exposed. Symptoms typically start with a persistent cough followed by long bouts of coughing that end in a “whooping” sound. Some people may also experience:

Runny nose
Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Vomiting after coughing fits

Complications

Complications from pertussis can be serious, especially in young children. Complications include:

Pneumonia
Lung infection (bronchiolitis)
Laryngitis
Brain damage
Epilepsy
Death

Prevention

The best way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children get five doses of the DTaP vaccine by the time they are 6 years old. Adults in close contact with infants should also get a booster shot. In addition, make sure to practice good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and coughing and sneezing into a tissue.