| Pertussis is a disease of the
lungs and throat caused by a bacterium Bordetella
pertussis is the bacterium that causes pertussis. The
bacterium is easily spread from person to person.
Pertussis is spread by close contact with someone
who has the infection
Pertussis is spread to others by infected secretions
from the nose and throat, beginning from just before onset
of symptoms until up to 3 weeks after symptoms start.
Treatment with antibiotics shortens the contagious period
to about 5 days. Anyone can get pertussis who has not
had pertussis or pertussis vaccine. Sixty percent of cases
occur in children less than 5 years old. Older children
and adults can carry the bacterium and spread it, but
have only mild symptoms.
Symptoms to look for include:
- Low fever
- Runny nose
- Cough that is mild at first, then severe with times
of deep rapid coughing and a "whoop”; cough
often worse at night
- Vomiting after coughing
Symptoms start within 7 to 20 days after exposure. Symptoms
may last for 1 to 2 months or longer.
Although most people recover, complications of
pertussis can be severe
Pertussis can be a very serious illness in children less
than one year old, especially in premature babies or babies
with lung disease. Pneumonia, seizures, brain problems,
even death can occur.
See a doctor for treatment
Pertussis is usually treated with an antibiotic. Some
children may need to be hospitalized. People in close
contact with children or adults who have pertussis usually
need an antibiotic and may need vaccine.
Pertussis disease can be prevented with pertussis
vaccine
Every child should get pertussis vaccine at 2, 4, 6,
and 15 to 18 months of age, and another dose at 4 to 6
years old. This vaccine is given as one shot to protect
against pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria (DTaP). The
vaccine is not given to older children and adults.
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