What is pertussis?
Pertussis is a disease caused by bacteria. It causes severe spells of coughing. Pertussis can occur in all ages.
How is pertussis spread?
Pertussis is spread through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
Pertussis starts like a cold with symptoms of a runny nose and an irritating cough. Within 1 to 2 weeks the cough worsens. A gasping for air, which produces a high pitched whooping sound, follows the coughing. The coughing fits occur more frequently at night and are often followed by vomiting. Between spells, the person often appears to be well.
How is pertussis diagnosed?
A medical provider may think a patient has pertussis because of the symptoms but a sample of mucus must be taken from the back of the nose for testing. This sample is then sent for testing to determine whether the patient has pertussis.
What is the treatment for pertussis?
Treatment with an antibiotic may alter the course of pertussis if given early in the illness.
Should people who have been around a person with pertussis be treated?
All households members and other close contacts of persons with pertussis, regardless of age, should receive an antibiotic to prevent the spread of pertussis.