Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes a long-lasting and often severe cough. Currently (Spring 2012), Washington State is experiencing an epidemic of whooping cough with disease rates higher than they have been in 60 years. The illness usually starts with mild cold symptoms or cough, which can turn into severe coughing spells followed by gagging, or vomiting and sometimes a "whoop" sound when trying to catch the breath. Infants with pertussis may eat poorly, turn blue, or stop breathing. Infants are also at highest risk for severe pertussis complications that require hospitalization such as difficulty breathing, pneumonia, convulsions, and even death.
Vaccination is the best prevention for whooping cough. The more people in the community that have immunity through vaccination, the less likely the disease is to spread. Kids and adults can get vaccinated to help stop outbreaks and lower the risk of infection to babies and others most likely to get severe cases of pertussis. Children younger than age seven get DTaP, which protects agains diptheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis. Anyone over age seven get Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diptheria and acellular pertussis.
Learn more about whooping cough:
- Frequently asked questions about whooping cough
- Children's vaccinations in Pierce County
- Adult vaccinations in Pierce County
- Free adult vaccinations for uninsured or underinsured adults in Pierce County (Español)
