whooping

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It often begins with mild upper respiratory symptoms and progresses to severe coughing fits that can end with a high-pitched inspiratory sound in some children. In many adults and vaccinated individuals, coughing may be less dramatic and the classic whoop may be absent.

Transmission occurs via respiratory droplets and the illness is most contagious during the catarrhal and early paroxysmal stages. The incubation period is typically 7 to 10 days, but can range from 5 to 21 days. The disease is highly preventable through vaccination, though immunity wanes over time.

Clinical course is commonly described in three stages. The catarrhal stage lasts about 1 to 2 weeks and involves runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. The paroxysmal stage features frequent, intense coughing spells, sometimes with vomiting or exhaustion, and may include a whoop in children. The convalescent stage is a gradual recovery over several weeks. Complications are most common in young infants and can include pneumonia, dehydration, seizures, apnea, and, less frequently, encephalopathy. Adults may experience prolonged coughing and weight loss or syncope.

Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion supported by laboratory tests such as PCR or bacterial culture from a nasopharyngeal swab. Serology may aid in later stages. Treatment with antibiotics, typically macrolides, can reduce transmission and may lessen symptom duration if started early. Supportive care is important, especially for infants who may require monitoring or hospitalization.

Prevention relies on vaccination with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccines (DTaP for children, Tdap boosters for adolescents and adults). Immunity wanes over time, and booster dosing helps reduce spread and severe disease.