What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. The germ is spread when infected people cough or sneeze. 

Children with pertussis have decreased ability to cough up respiratory secretions and develop thick, glue-like mucus in the windpipe.  This causes severe coughing spells that make it difficult for them to eat, drink, or breathe. 

The disease is most severe when it occurs early in life; it often requires hospitalization. Approximately 50 out of every 10,000 people who develop pertussis die from the disease.

Why is it called Whooping Cough?

A child with pertussis may suffer from coughing spells for two to three weeks or longer. Sometimes the child coughs several times before breathing in; when the child finally does breathe in there is often a loud gasp or "whooping" sound.  Teens and adults may not have the “whoop” sound.

How is Pertussis prevented?

Vaccination - By age 2, children should have a total of four vaccinations against Pertussis.  It is combined with a vaccine against Diphtheria and Tetanus called DTaP.

Young school children are protected against pertussis because they have been immunized with the DTaP vaccine. Protection may fade after the required kindergarten dose of DTaP.  Recently, booster shots have been encouraged for older students, parents and caregivers of young children. These vaccines should be available through your family physician.

Pertussis will develop in 90% of unvaccinated children living with someone with pertussis, and in 50% to 80% of unvaccinated children who attend school or daycare with someone with pertussis.

How common is Pertussis?

In 2004, adolescents 11-18 years of age and adults 19-64 years of age accounted for 34% and 27% of the cases of pertussis in the US. The true numbers are probably much higher in these age ranges because of the illness often not being recognized.

These cases are very important because teenagers and adults with pertussis can transmit the infection to other people, including infants who are at greatest risk for complications and death.

Signs and Symptoms  

Pertussis is a bacterial respiratory disease that spreads easily and often begins with cold-like symptoms. The disease proceeds to a severe, constant cough that ends with a “whoop”, primarily in younger children.  Teens and adults may not have the “whoop”. The cough is sometimes followed by vomiting. Usually there is little or no fever.

Treatment

Children and adults who are diagnosed with Pertussis and people identified as their close contacts should be given an antibiotic to decrease passing on the disease. The antibiotic may not affect the symptoms and the cough of pertussis could continue for weeks. 

Most children, teenagers, and adults recover fully from pertussis. However, infants younger than 6 months of age, or others with suppressed immunity or chronic respiratory problems are at greater risk of complications.

Children with symptoms of Pertussis should be tested and all cases and contacts should get antibiotics. 

For More Information

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Speak to a Columbus Public Health Communicable Disease Nurse: (614) 645-1474

Related Programs and Services

Columbus Public Health Immunization Services