REPORTINGPertussis
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Whooping
Cough
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What is pertussis?
Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by bacteria.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are a runny nose, low grade fever and cough. After a day or two, the symptoms may intensify to bursts of rapid coughs. Coughing may last weeks or months.
Is it dangerous?
Complications include bacterial pneumonia and rib fractures. In infants, pertussis may lead to seizures, pneumonia, brain malfunctions and death.
Is it contagious?
Pertussis is most contagious before the coughing starts. An infected person can spread the bacteria without even knowing he or she is carrying it. Pertussis spreads through the air.
Can I prevent pertussis infection?
The pertussis vaccine can prevent pertussis. The vaccine is included in Tdap for adults and DTP and DTaP for children. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends five doses of DTaP for infants and children - one dose at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months and at 4-6 years.
Adolescent children 11 through 18 should receive a single Tdap booster if they've completed the five listed above.
Adults ages 19 though 64 need one Tdap, particularly if they're in close contact with an infant.
For more information on Pertussis, click here.