Understanding Whooping Cough: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention

Whooping cough, known medically as pertussis, is an infectious respiratory illness that can affect individuals of all ages. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which mainly targets the upper respiratory tract, leading to airway inflammation. Despite its highly contagious nature, vaccination efforts, particularly the TDAP shot (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis), have significantly reduced its spread.

The primary transmission methods are:

• Bacterial Infection
  When Bordetella pertussis infects an individual, it triggers the disease process, especially through close contact with infected persons or exposure during outbreaks.
• Lack of Vaccination
  Proper immunization using the TDAP vaccine provides effective protection against pertussis and other related diseases.

Early signs of whooping cough are often mild, resembling cold or flu symptoms, including a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. Infants may experience apnea, where breathing temporarily stops. As the disease progresses, symptoms worsen, with intense fatigue, vomiting, and the characteristic rapid, paroxysmal cough that produces a high-pitched “whoop.” The persistent cough can last for weeks or longer, especially in severe cases.