- It is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness, commonly known as whooping cough.
- Caused by – Bordetella pertussis.
- Historically, it has been a major cause of childhood mortality, with fatality rates reaching 10% in the early 20th century.
- Transmission – Spread through coughing and sneezing.
- Risk – The disease is most dangerous in infants, and is a significant cause of disease and death in this age group.
- Symptoms –
- Early symptoms (1-2 weeks) – Runny nose, mild cough, fever, and sneezing.
- Later symptoms – Severe, uncontrollable coughing fits that can lead to difficulty breathing.
- The characteristic "whoop" sound may or may not occur, particularly in infants who may just gasp for air and turn blue.
- Prevention – Vaccination – DTaP vaccine - to young children & Tdap vaccine for adolescents, adults (including a dose during each pregnancy), and those who will have close contact with infants.
- Potential complications – Pneumonia, seizures, brain damage from lack of oxygen, in severe cases it may lead to death.
- Prevalence – Pertussis continues to pose a significant public health burden, particularly in India and China, primarily affecting young infants and children.
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