VPMD: Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

What is Whooping Cough?

Whooping cough is an infectious respiratory disease caused by the Bordatella pertussis bacterium. It is passed from person to person through respiratory droplets expelled by talking, coughing and sneezing. This disease can be very severe in young infants.

Symptoms at the beginning of disease include fever, runny/stuffy nose, sneezing and coughing. Severity of the cough progresses to prolonged episodes of hard cough that can lead to vomiting, cyanosis and is followed by deep “catch up” breaths, possibly making the “whooping” sound. In young infants apneic episodes often occur. Complete resolution of symptoms may take anywhere from weeks to months.

Complications of whooping cough include: dehydration, ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, respiratory failure and death.

How is whooping cough treated?

Antibiotics may be effective in decreasing the duration of illness if given within the first week of illness, prior to the stage defined by episodic coughs. The cornerstone of therapy is supportive and often, requires hospitalization especially in infants younger than 6 months of age.

How is whooping cough prevented?

Pertussis is vaccinated against with a primary series in infancy, it is included in the DTaP vaccine that is usually given at 2,4 6 months with a booster given between 15-18 months and 4-6 years, 11 yrs then every 10 years in Tdap.

It is also recommended that pregnant women receive a Pertussis booster to help pass antibodies to their baby that aids in protection early in their life. In the US, TdaP is recommended to be given to pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks.