Stylized close-up of the pertussis virus
Communicable Disease
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Although it may start very similar to a common cold, the coughing it causes can last for weeks or months. A type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis gets into the upper respiratory system by attaching to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) and then releasing toxins. This causes the airways to swell.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: Severe coughing fits that can last for weeks. • Whooping cough can cause rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits until all air is gone from the lungs. These coughing fits can go on for up to 10 weeks or more. • Pertussis is known as "whooping cough" because of the "whooping" sound that people can make when gasping for air after a fit of coughing. Whooping cough is very contagious. • The bacteria that cause whooping cough spread easily from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes, etc. · Even if someone has mild symptoms and doesn't know they have whooping cough, they can still spread germs to others. Whooping cough can be very serious, especially for babies. • • Whooping cough can cause serious illness in people of all ages and can even be life threatening, especially in babies. Babies may not cough at all. Instead, they may have apnea (life- threatening pauses in breathing) or struggle to breathe. • About one third of babies younger than 1 year old who get whooping cough need care in the hospital. 1 out of 100 babies who get treatment in the hospital die. Manage whooping cough and reduce the risk of spreading germs to others: · • Any time someone is struggling to breathe, it is important to get them to a doctor right away. Doctors generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics and treating early can make the illness less serious and help prevent spreading. • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Don't cough into your hands, you can spread germs this way. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. • To protect you and your loved ones, stay up to date with recommended pertussis vaccines. Sources: cdc.gov/pertussis/fast-facts.html; https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/prevention/index.html

Click here to view flyer in Spanish and Hmong

The best way to prevent whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for everyone.