Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It’s characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months.
Symptoms
The symptoms of whooping cough typically occur in three stages:
- Catarrhal stage: This initial stage mimics a common cold, with symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, and low-grade fever.
- Paroxysmal stage: This is the most distinctive stage, characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for several minutes. After each coughing fit, a high-pitched “whoop” sound may occur as the person gasps for air. Other symptoms may include vomiting, fatigue, and difficulty eating or sleeping.
- Convalescent stage: The coughing fits gradually decrease in frequency and severity but may persist for weeks or even months.
Complications
While whooping cough can be a serious illness for people of all ages, it is particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Complications can include:
- Pneumonia
- Seizures
- Brain damage