Pertussis is a contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract, but it is treatable with antibiotics. Symptoms include a persistent cough that usually follows a normal cold. The cough occurs in explosive bursts ending with a high-pitched whoop and occasionally vomiting. Coughing attacks can continue up to 12 weeks. Pertussis can be hard to diagnose because it often shows symptoms similar to a bad cold, asthma, or bronchitis.
The Pertussis Fact Sheet (2 pages) gives information regarding Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, in a question and answer format. Topics such as who gets Pertussis, symptoms, prevention and treatment are discussed. |
