Pert

ussis Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by violent explosive coughing and a ‘whoop’ sound that is made when the affected person inhales. Pertussis is especially serious in infants and young children and can be fatal if left untreated. Vaccination is the most effective way of preventing infection and spreading of the disease. Vaccines for pertussis are available as part of the combined vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP). Vaccinations for pertussis are recommended for children at 2, 4, 6, and 15 months of age, as well as 4 to 6 years and 11 to 12 years, and for adults every 10 years.