Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated. English | en Español
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About Pertussis
Causes and transmission, signs and symptoms, complications... -
Pertussis Vaccination
Information on getting vaccinated, provider resources... -
Pregnancy and Whooping Cough
Information for pregnant women and healthcare providers on the Tdap pregnancy recommendation... -
Clinicians
Disease information, clinical features, complications, laboratory testing ... -
Laboratory Information
Reference lab, pathogens studies, lab resources... -
Public Health Professionals
Case definition, surveillance reports, postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis, letter of guidance...
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Fast Facts
Know the facts about pertussis... -
Surveillance and Reporting
Trends, case definitions, surveillance reports… -
Outbreaks
Outbreak trends, questions and answers, postexposure antimicrobial prophylaxis, control guidelines... -
Pertussis in Other Countries
Global overview of pertussis, resources for travelers... -
Materials
Web features, podcasts, e-Cards, videos, print materials... -
Publications
Chapters, manuals and guidelines, articles...
Pregnant? Help Protect Your Baby from Whooping Cough
Learn why Laura decided to get the whooping cough vaccine in her 3rd trimester and how her baby girl was born with some protection against the disease.
Also available on YouTube.
Print Materials
Would You Know Pertussis?
Hear how the cough may sound
It is important to know that not everyone with pertussis coughs or "whoops".
- Page last reviewed: August 31, 2015
- Page last updated: January 26, 2016
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