Also referred to as Pertussis

Is a coughing disease that is easily passed from one child to another

It is often caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis

The classic symptom is a cough that makes a “whoop”ing sound.

Often found in children and infants — but can also be seen in adults.

In children it is often a high pitched cough

It is covered in childhood and adult  vaccines – DTP and DTaP

In the U.S – Most often ages are prior to 6 months and 11 years to 18. 

This is prior to vaccination and when the vaccine might be wearing off

90% of all cases occur in Third World Countries

Symptoms

     -     Dry Cough  [initial cough]
     -     Sneezing
     -     Runny nose
     -     Fever
     -     Whoop-like cough is often seen in fits of 5-10  and can last up to 1 minute
     -     Vomiting
     -     Nausea
     -     Fatigue
     -     Weight-loss

Coughing mucus onto another person is often the mode of transmission

Symptoms begin to arise upto several weeks after initial contact with someone with whooping cough

But other contact with mucus can be a mode of transmission

Diagnosis

  -       Usually done through culture of nasal swabs
  -       Bacteria can only be found in first 3 weeks

Vaccination

  -       Helps initiate immunity
  -       Does not last a lifetime
  -       Booster shots are often required
  -       Vaccine was developed in 1925
  -       1942 was added with diphtheria and tetanus

Treatment

Contact medical provider when symptoms become worse or when you suspect whooping cough or when your child has
been around someone with whooping cough and your child begins to have symptoms.

Home treament may include:

-  Plenty of fluids
-  Plenty of rest
-  Cough syrup – depending on age

Antibiotics
.            Erythromycin
.            Azithromycin
.            Clarithromycin
.            Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole