Diseases

Pertusis

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Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." Before the vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease.

SYMPTOMS

Nasal: congestion, runny nose, or sneezing
Whole body: fatigue or fever
Also common: paroxysmal cough, episodes of no breathing, vomiting, or watery eyes

CAUSES

Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called bordetella pertussis. These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upperrespiratory system.