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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person and is spread by direct contact with the discharges from the nose and throat of an infected individual. The incubation period is usually five to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days. Pertussis can occur at any age, although most of the reported cases occur in children under five year. Fifty percent (50%) of reported cases are in children under one year of age.

Pertussis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high-pitched whoop. A thick, clear mucous may be discharged. These episodes may recur for one to two months, and are more frequent at night. Complications of pertussis may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, brain disorders, apneic episodes (brief cessation of breathing), and death.

The vaccine for Pertussis is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus. Immunization authorities recommend that DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine be given at two, four, six and 12-15 months of age and between four and six years of age.

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Missed A Program?
Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Contagious Diseases Diphtheria Measles Hepatitis Meningitis Mumps Chicken Pox Rubella (German Measles) Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. It is caused by a bacterium that is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person and is spread by direct contact with the discharges from the nose and throat of an infected individual. The incubation period is usually five to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days. Pertussis can occur at any age, although most of the reported cases occur in children under five year. Fifty percent (50%) of reported cases are in children under one year of age. Pertussis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Initially, symptoms resemble those of a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low-grade fever and a mild cough. Within two weeks, the cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of numerous rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high-pitched whoop. A thick, clear mucous may be discharged. These episodes may recur for one to two months, and are more frequent at night. Complications of pertussis may include pneumonia, middle ear infection, loss of appetite, dehydration, seizures, brain disorders, apneic episodes (brief cessation of breathing), and death. The vaccine for Pertussis is usually given in combination with diphtheria and tetanus. Immunization authorities recommend that DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine be given at two, four, six and 12-15 months of age and between four and six years of age.
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.