Whooping Cough: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention
What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. This disease affects only humans and can lead to severe complications, particularly in infants and unvaccinated individuals.
Current Incidence in the United States
In 2024, the United States saw a significant rise in whooping cough cases. Preliminary data indicates over six times more cases were reported by December compared to the same period in 2023, signaling a return to pre-pandemic trends.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
- Early Symptoms (1–2 weeks):
- Runny or stuffed-up nose
- Low-grade fever (below 100.4°F)
- Mild, occasional cough
- In Infants:
Many infants may not cough but experience apnea (pauses in breathing), cyanosis (turning blue), or difficulty breathing, resembling cold symptoms. - Later Symptoms (after 1–2 weeks):
- Paroxysms (coughing fits) lasting up to 10 weeks
- High-pitched “whoop” sound during inhalation after a cough
- Vomiting during or after coughing fits
- Fatigue after coughing episodes
- Difficulty sleeping or breathing
These symptoms are often described as the worst cough of a person’s life.
Recovery from Whooping Cough
Recovery is slow, with coughing fits becoming less frequent over time. However, coughing may return months later during other respiratory infections.
Complications of Whooping Cough
For Babies and Young Children:
Whooping cough can lead to life-threatening complications. Babies younger than one year, particularly those not fully vaccinated, face higher risks.
- Hospitalization: 1 in 3 babies
- Apnea: 2 in 3 hospitalized cases
- Pneumonia: 1 in 5 hospitalized cases
- Convulsions: 1 in 50 cases
- Brain disease (encephalopathy): 1 in 150 cases
- Mortality: 1 in 100 cases
For Teens and Adults:
While complications are generally less severe in this group, they can include:
- Pneumonia
- Persistent fatigue
- Other secondary respiratory infections
How Whooping Cough Spreads
Whooping cough spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Contagious Period:
- From the onset of symptoms until two weeks after coughing begins.
- Antibiotics can reduce the contagious period.
Some individuals with mild symptoms may unknowingly spread the disease to others.
Prevention of Whooping Cough
- Vaccination:
- DTaP: For infants and young children.
- Tdap: For teens and adults, including pregnant women.The CDC recommends vaccination as the most effective prevention method.
- Antibiotics:
Administered to reduce the spread and severity of symptoms. - Good Hygiene Practices:
- Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
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