Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Though it is a relatively uncommon infection (only 300 to 1,000 cases in New York state each year), it can be serious. Awareness of the characteristics of the illness, and prompt evaluation and treatment of symptoms of possible pertussis is important for personal and public health.

Pertussis in the news at Cornell, Fall 2006

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. The bacteria (Bordetella pertussis) invade the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat of the infected person, increasing the secretion of mucus.

Who gets pertussis?

Whooping cough can occur at any age. Although most of the reported cases occur in children under five years, the number of cases in adolescents and adults is increasing. Children who are too young to be fully vaccinated are at highest risk for severe illness; adolescents and adults become susceptible when immunity wanes.

How is pertussis spread?

Pertussis is spread primarily through direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of an infected individual or inhaling droplets from the sneeze or cough of someone with whooping cough. Close, household contacts are at highest risk of exposure.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

It usually begins with symptoms resembling those of a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within a couple of weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs that may be followed by a high pitched whooping sound or vomiting. A thick, clear mucous may be discharged. The cough is often worse at night and cough medicines usually do not help alleviate it. 

When do symptoms appear?

The incubation period is usually five to ten days after exposure to the bacterium, but may be as long as 21 days.

When is a person able to spread pertussis?

An infected person can transmit pertussis from the onset of symptoms to three weeks after the onset of coughing episodes. The period of communicability is reduced to five days after antibiotic therapy is begun.

Does past infection with pertussis make a person immune?

One attack usually confers prolonged immunity.

What are the complications associated with pertussis?

Complications may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, encephalopathy (disorders of the brain), apneic episodes (brief cessation of breathing), and, in very rare cases, death.

What is the vaccine for pertussis?

The vaccine for pertussis is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus. There is a vaccine for children (DTaP) and one for adolescents and adults (Adacel). Talk with a health care provider for more information.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pertussis?

The single most effective control measure is maintaining the highest possible level of immunization in the community. Treatment of cases with certain antibiotics such as erythromycin can shorten the contagious period. People who have or may have pertussis should stay away from others until they have been properly treated. Treatment of people who are close contacts of pertussis cases is also an important part of prevention.

Good personal hygiene habits will help reduce the risk of getting and passing infections of all kinds: frequent hand-washing with soap or an alcohol-based sanitizer; covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve; avoidance of touching one's face with the hands; not sharing food, drink, chapsticks, etc; and staying home when sick.

For more information about pertussis

For more information about pertussis:

• read the New York State Department of Health Pertussis Fact Sheet
• visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Healthfinder site
• call the Tompkins County Health Department at 607.274.6604

Reference: New York State Department of Health Communicable Disease Fact Sheet on Pertussis