Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies. View All

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious.

Apr 2, 2024 · Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is a human disease and no animal or insect source, or vector is known to exist. CDC recommends vaccination and postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent pertussis.

Apr 2, 2024 · Early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) can look like a common cold. Whooping cough is known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit. Babies and young children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead.

Nov 6, 2024 · While antibiotics are most effective during the first weeks of illness, given the severity of pertussis in infants and out of an abundance of caution, CDC recommends antibiotics up to 6 weeks following cough onset.

Apr 2, 2024 · There are three stages of clinical pertussis: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. Clinical presentation, complications, and risk of death can differ based on age and vaccination status.

Apr 2, 2024 · Early antibiotic treatment for pertussis (whooping cough) may make the infection less serious. Sometimes treatment in a hospital may be necessary if symptoms become serious. Most whooping cough symptoms can be managed at home.

Aug 23, 2024 · Pertussis (whooping cough) is common in the United States, with frequent outbreaks. Protecting people at highest risk of serious illness is the primary focus during outbreaks. Health departments take the lead during outbreak investigations. Whooping cough cases are on the rise in 2024.

Dec 28, 2024 · Pertussis occurs in vaccinated people since protection from vaccination fades over time. Local and state health departments are familiar with these patterns. They’re also efficient at responding to increasing pertussis cases and implementing appropriate control strategies.

Please see Whooping Cough (Pertussis). Page last reviewed: September 05, 2024 Content source: National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)