Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the airways causing severe coughing fits, sometimes followed by a characteristic “whoop” sound when breathing in. It can be especially dangerous for young infants.

• Initial cold-like symptoms — runny nose, mild cough, low-grade fever — for one to two weeks
• Followed by severe coughing fits, sometimes with a high-pitched "whoop" sound when breathing in after coughing
• Vomiting after coughing fits is common
• In young infants, apnoea (pauses in breathing) may occur instead of the typical whoop, and can be life-threatening
• Cough can persist for weeks to months even after the infectious period has passed

• Caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria, spread through respiratory droplets.
• Highly contagious, particularly in the early, cold-like stage before the characteristic cough develops.
• Young infants who are not yet fully vaccinated are at greatest risk of severe disease and complications.

• Suspected clinically based on the characteristic pattern of coughing fits, particularly with a whoop or vomiting after coughing.
• Laboratory testing (such as a nasal/throat swab for the bacteria) can confirm the diagnosis, particularly important in infants or during outbreak investigation.

An antibiotic (such as azithromycin) is given, most effective if started early, both to shorten the infectious period and reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others, though it may have limited effect on the cough itself once established.

Infants, especially those under six months, with whooping cough are often admitted to hospital for close monitoring given the risk of severe complications, including breathing pauses.

Supportive care includes adequate fluids and rest, with small frequent meals if vomiting after coughing is a problem.

Household and close contacts, particularly infants and pregnant women, may be offered preventive antibiotics.

• Complete routine pertussis-containing vaccination in infancy and childhood.
• Vaccination during pregnancy is recommended in many settings to protect the newborn during the vulnerable early months before their own vaccination series is complete.
• Keep infected individuals away from young infants and unvaccinated children until they have completed an appropriate course of antibiotics or are no longer contagious.
• Seek prompt care for infants with severe or prolonged coughing fits, especially with breathing pauses or difficulty.