Pertussis

Pertussis, also called whooping cough, is a highly contagious, bacterial infection of the respiratory system. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, and is spread easily through contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually begin with a runny nose, and progress to a severe cough, which is characterized by a "whoop" sound followed by vomiting. Pertussis can be serious and even life-threatening, especially for infants. Vaccines are the best way to protect against pertussis, and can be given as part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) vaccine. Vaccination is the most effective way to reduce the spread of pertussis in the community and protect the most vulnerable, such as infants and young children.