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Whooping cough — known medically as pertussis — is a highly
contagious respiratory tract infection. It is named after
the "whoop" sound children and adults sometimes make when
they try to breathe in during or after a severe coughing
spell. Whooping cough usually starts
with cold- or flu-like symptoms, such as runny nose,
sneezing, fever, and a mild cough. These symptoms can last
up to 2 weeks and are followed by increasingly severe
coughing spells. Fever, if present, is usually mild.
Although it initially resembles an ordinary cold,
whooping cough may eventually turn more serious,
particularly in infants. Whooping cough is most contagious
before the coughing starts. The best way to prevent it is
through vaccinations. The childhood vaccine is called DTaP.
The whooping cough booster vaccine for adolescents and
adults is called Tdap. Both protect against whooping cough,
tetanus, and diphtheria.
For more information, please see the links below or to
discuss your concerns related to whooping cough call the
Nevada State Immunization Program. |
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Nevada State Immunization Program
4150 Technology Way, Suite 101
Carson City NV 89706
Phone: (775) 684-5900
Fax: (775) 684-8338
Doug Banghart, RN, MSPH
Immunization Program Manager
Phone:
(775) 684-5902
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Nevada State Health Division
Community Health Nursing Program
4150 Technology Way, Suite 101
Carson City NV 89706
Rick Sowadsky
Disease Investigator
Phone:
(775) 684-5941 |
