Pertussis

A serious infection that is more than just a cough

Pertussis is a bacterial infection that can cause severe and prolonged coughing episodes. Known as the “100-day cough,” it can be violent enough to break ribs, cause nosebleeds, and lead to respiratory failure in infants and young children.

Highly Contagious: 8 out of 10 non-immune individuals exposed to an infected person will contract pertussis.
Difficult to Diagnose: Early symptoms mimic a common cold, delaying detection and treatment.
Serious Risks for Infants: <6 months old: 22% risk of pneumonia, 2% risk of seizures, and <0.5% risk of encephalopathy.
<2 months old: 1% will die from pertussis.
Onset & Progression: Symptoms appear 5-21 days after exposure (average 7-10 days).
Treatment: Antibiotics – Required, with automatic hospitalization for infants <6 months.
Timing Matters – Once the characteristic “whooping” cough develops, antibiotics only prevent spread, but do not relieve symptoms.

The DTaP and Tdap Vaccines remain the best protection against Pertussis. Stay protected. Stay informed.

Here is a video that goes into more detail about Pertussis.