Whooping Cough



(Also known as pertussis) Whooping cough is a highly contagious, infectious bacterial disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis in the respiratory tract. It is characterized by uncontrollable coughing. The name comes from the inhaling noise sometimes made between coughs that sounds high-pitched like “whoop”.

Anyone can get whooping cough, but it is most common in infants and children. This is why it is very important for pregnant women to be vaccinated. Death from whooping cough is most common in infants.

Symptoms are initially mild—after a week or two, symptoms worsen. Thick mucus accumulates inside the airways, causing uncontrollable coughing.

Symptoms
Initially: Runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, red watery eyes, mild fever, dry cough

~1 or 2 weeks later: vomiting, red or blue face, extreme fatigue