What is Pertussis (whooping cough), and its symptoms?

You’ve probably heard of whooping cough, but did you know it’s making a serious comeback? Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is caused by Bordetella pertussis, a highly contagious bacterium. What makes this disease so dangerous is its effect on infants and young children. It starts out like a common cold but soon develops into intense, uncontrollable coughing fits, making it hard to breathe. These fits can last for weeks, leaving patients exhausted, and sometimes causing serious complications like apnea, pneumonia, convulsions or death. 

Who is at risk of getting Pertussis?

While anyone can get pertussis, babies under six months are especially vulnerable because they’re too young to be fully vaccinated. That’s why vaccinating pregnant women is so important—it helps pass protection on to their babies before they’re even born. 

Pertussis on the rise: Why should you care?

Unfortunately, pertussis is far from a thing of the past. In fact, cases are rising steeply worldwide: Infants too young to be vaccinated are most vulnerable, and the resurgence of pertussis puts countless lives at risk.