Tdap and DTaP are two vaccines that both protect against three diseases: Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. After about one week to 2 weeks, the dry cough becomes a wet cough that brings up thick, stringy mucus. A Chinese reference to "the cough of 100 days" by Chao Yuanfang in the early 7 th century may have referred to pertussis [ 1 ]. After an incubation phase of 7-10 days patients develop nose and throat inflammation. It is highly infectious in unvaccinated people. Symptoms. We wanted to discover whether any medicines are effective at treating cough in patients with whooping cough (also known as pertussis). Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is one of the most contagious diseases around. The infection causes uncontrollable. Pertussis (also known as whooping cough) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. The cough gets worse and severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing can develop. pertussis). This kind of cough can linger for several weeks after the end of your cold or flu. Also known as whooping cough, pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract that may be largely prevented by vaccination. Horovitz. Whooping cough also known as pertussis is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide, an estimated 24 million cases and 160,000 pertussis-related deaths occur every year in children under 5 years old (1, 2). (CBC) A whooping cough outbreak that was declared in part of southern. In the prevaccine era, the disease. Pertussis can infect people of all ages. Pertussis. weeks. Stop 2 - Word Trivia Game. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an illness with a classic clinical finding of paroxysmal episodes of intense coughing lasting up to several minutes followed by a loud gasp for air. Pertussis (whooping cough): Signs and symptoms. Coughing bouts can be followed by vomiting, choking or taking a big gasping breath which causes a "whooping" sound. It usually gives you lengthy and repeated. Immunisation before. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a disease that has been known to mankind for centuries. Pertussis is also known as the 100 day cough (a reference to its prolonged course) and whooping cough (a reference to its characteristic inspiratory sound) (1,2). Asthma and COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) The common cold, flu, and other viral infections. Vaccines have helped keep pertussis in check. The answer we have below for Cough also known as pertussis has a total of 8 letters. Clinical Features. A cough that sounds like barking can be a sign of croup. These bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. This is also known as a productive cough or wet cough. Stage 1: The first stage of whooping cough is the catarrhal (runny nose) stage. The Communicable Disease: Pertussis. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. " Credit: Sanofi Pasteur. Pertussis (whooping cough) is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. Pertussis is an infectious disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. You can get pertussis all year round, but in North America, it’s most common in summer. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an infection of the respiratory system characterized by a “whooping” sound that an afflicted person makes when breathing inwards. When the cough is severe, it may cause vomiting, fainting, broken ribs and poor bladder control ( urinary incontinence ). Whooping cough also known as Pertussis is a highly contagious disease. 1 It is transmitted via airborne droplets and is highly infectious. Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. Pertussis is a disease that happens year round everywhere in the world. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious infectious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable and violent coughing. Pertussis is caused by the Bordetella pertussis or Bordetella parapertussis bacteria. The disease is especially serious for babies. Worldwide, around 30 million cases of pertussis and 160,000 deaths in children younger than 5 years old are registered every year, 90% of them occurring in developing countries [4–6]. " The War on Polio . Beginning in the 1940s, widespread vaccination led to a nationwide drop in the number of pertussis cases—from about 200,000 a year. March 16, 2019 5 AM PT. Chronic cough can also occur with fungal infections of the lung, tuberculosis (TB) infection or lung infection with nontuberculous mycobacterial organisms. Come join CodyCross in an adventure full of whimsy and fantasy as he explores the world of Odd and Imaginary Creatures! 100 fun, new puzzles are ready to be solved! [email protected]. , lasting more than 7 days). A highly contagious bacterial disease, whooping cough is characterized by uncontrollable, violent coughing, which can. 2. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, continues to be widespread throughout all areas of Santa Cruz County. Whooping cough (medically known as pertussis) is a serious infection that causes long bouts of coughing and choking, making it hard to breathe. Mar 24, 2023, 9:30 am. It spreads very easily. In the earlier stages of pertussis, the lining of the eyes can become red and a little puffy, says Dr. The ‘whoop’ noise is caused by gasping for breath after each burst of coughing. Make sure you and your loved ones are up to date with your whooping cough vaccines. According to the Mayo Clinic , “it is marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like ‘whoop. Since the 1980s, the United States has seen a rise in cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis. This makes it difficult for the patient to breathe and requires them to take deep breaths resulting in a “whooping” sound. Subacute cough often has a postinfectious origin and will typically resolve without treatment. vomiting. Coughing is the main symptom of pertussis and can become violent, especially at night. It is a highly infectious bacterial disease involving the respiratory tract. Sometimes symptoms do not develop for as long as 3 weeks. Learn more about the differences between these two. 78 SW 7th St. It affects the lungs and airways and may cause a person to cough violently and uncontrollably, making it difficult to breathe. Pertussis. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria release toxins which damage cilia. Pertussis (whooping cough) Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. Pertussis, commonly known as ‘whooping cough’, is a disease of the respiratory tract caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is working with ESR to sequence the strain to see if it. What are the symptoms of pertussis? Symptoms typically begin 5-10 days after an exposure. whooping cough possibly existed in Korea in the 15th century, 16 and whooping cough was known to the Chinese (pertussis is known as the 100 day cough),. When infected, it takes seven to 10 days for symptoms to appear, according to the clinic. What are the symptoms? Whooping cough usually begins like a cold with a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and a cough. Worldwide, there are about 20 to 40 million cases. This question is part of the popular game CodyCross! This game has been developed by Fanatee Games, a very. Airway blockage can also occur if a children or adult with a small airway swallows a pill whole. It is transmitted from infected to susceptible individuals through respiratory droplets. These medicines included pertussis immunoglobulin (antibodies to increase the body's resistance to whooping cough) and treatments already used to treat symptoms of asthma and hay fever. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a "whooping" sound. It is a disease caused by a bacterium. Kinrix; Quadracel; Descriptions. Pertussis also can cause pneumonia, long-lasting bronchitis, seizures, brain damage, and death. Pertussis. University. Cough also known as pertussis. chills. Whooping cough, acute highly communicable respiratory disease characterized in its typical form by paroxysms of coughing followed by a long-drawn inspiration, or “whoop. If untreated, people typically remain infectious for 21 days from the onset of symptoms. Clinical Features. The whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the: 6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The classic “whoop. You might have a tickle in your throast causing a cough without mucus—also known as a dry or nonproductive cough. diarrhea. The cough, which is initially intermittent, can become paroxysmal. Pertussis is a respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Aug 24, 2023. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is caused by the Gram negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a bacterial infection that gets into your nose and throat. pertussis is a fastidious, gram-negative bacterium requiring special media for isolation. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect you from serious disease caused by whooping cough. Likely culprit: Whooping cough (also known as pertussis), a highly contagious bacterial infection of the throat, windpipe and lungs. Sneezing. 1. Pertussis is highly contagious; secondary attack rates exceed 80% in susceptible household contacts. Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. Sore, watery eyes. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for whooping cough, and some die from it. . Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes violent coughing. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory tract infection, usually caused by a fastidious pleomorphic gram-negative coccobacillus, Bordetella pertussis, and characterized by a severe and protracted cough. Pertussis is also known as "whooping cough" because of the "whoop" sound children or other patients sometimes make during coughing. The majority of cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been seen in school-aged kids. Back to top. 4 months. Whooping cough is also known as pertussis, a word that means “intense cough. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The coughing makes it hard to breathe and produces a deep "whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages. Coughing fits are continuous making it difficult for the person to catch their breath until the end of the fit. Chronic cough can also occur with fungal. pertussis as a Strictly Mucosal Pathogen. In children, especially, watch for signs of dehydration, such as dry lips, crying. One frequent symptom is a “whooping” sound a patient often makes after. Allen said the cough typically lasts around 12 weeks. The infection is transmitted via respiratory secretions. The CDC case definition of pertussis includes coughing of any duration and at least one sign or symptom (i. . What is whooping cough (pertussis)? Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a highly contagious illness that can be life threatening. Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium. Varicella: Chickenpox and Shingles. “If you have someone with whooping cough in a household where some of the people are susceptible, you’re going to have over 90 percent become infected. Pertussis (whooping cough): clinical features. A chesty cough may follow a common cold infection or can be due to long. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) seems innocent enough at first. Kennel cough, also known by the less-catchy name “infectious tracheobronchitis,” is a disease that makes dogs cough. This condition is caused by an atypical bacterial. Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria called Bordetella pertussis and is also known as pertussis. Children age 7-10 years who were not fully vaccinated should receive a single dose of tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap). What is pertussis? Pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, is caused by a bacterium (germ), Bordetella pertussis, that lives in the mouth, nose and throat. Cough - whooping; Whooping cough. 4 Bordetella pertussis infection can cause. A team of researchers has found that the resurgence of pertussis, more commonly known as whooping cough, in the US is a predictable consequence of incomplete. The illness often starts like the common cold, with a runny nose, sneezing, and a mild cough or fever. In babies whooping cough can lead to a life threatening symptom known as "Apnea. It is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. You may cough so hard that you vomit. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that often makes it hard to breathe. “Whooping cough is a very violent kind of cough, so when a person with whooping cough coughs, it’s expelled quite a distance,” says Dr. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be spread through the air by a cough or sneeze, which are two of the its main symptoms. Also Known As: Whooping cough, pertussis Germ Type: Bacteria Season: Summer, fall. Health care professionals. The model might one day help scientists develop a better vaccine for whooping cough, also known as pertussis — a disease that's on the rise in both the United States and in Europe. It is also known as whooping cough. While young children and teenagers are among the most affected, adults are also at risk of contracting and spreading whooping cough. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is highly contagious and spread by coughing, sneezing or simply breathing air around an infected person. Pertussis is extremely. In babies whooping cough can lead to a life threatening symptom known as "Apnea" causing pauses in normal breathing, pneumonia, feeding problems, weight loss, sei LinkedIn Search first and last namePertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . Pertussis (known as whooping cough) is a contagious. You can get whooping cough, also known as pertussis, even if you've been vaccinated (the vaccine's. Pertussis Surveillance Protocol Division of Infectious Disease Epidemiology 350 Capitol Street, Room 125, Charleston, WV 25301-3715 Phone: (304) 558-5358 Fax: (304) 558-6335 Page 7 of 13 Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. The diagnosis can be tricky. The coughing can occur in long spells, and often ends with a high-pitched 'whoop' sound when the child breathes in. Bordetella pertussis is a highly contagious bacterium known to cause pertussis (whooping cough) and is transmitted via airborne droplets. vaccine for maximum protection—a dose at 2, 4, and 6 months, one at 15-18 months, and another at 4-6 years. CDC reports that since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of pertussis in the United States (2011a). The infection is transmitted via respiratory secretions. It can cause serious respiratory illness in people. The three-in-one vaccine is known as the diphtheria, tetanus and. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. Pertussis is a highly contagious acute respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Over half of cases occur in adolescents and adults. Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against pertussis. Featured Video Researchers in Halifax are deliberately infecting volunteers with pertussis bacteria, known for causing whooping cough, in the hopes of one day developing better treatments and. Pertussis – also known as whooping cough – is a contagious infection of the respiratory tract (breathing tubes). It is caused by bacteria in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person. Come join CodyCross in an adventure full of whimsy and fantasy as he explores the world of Odd and Imaginary Creatures! 100 fun, new puzzles are ready to be solved! [email protected] cough can be a life threatening infection that affects Babies, toddlers and young children adversely. A cool, quiet and dark bedroom may help you relax and rest better. The recent increase in whooping cough incidence (primarily caused by Bordetella pertussis) presents a challenge to both public health practitioners and scientists trying to understand the mechanisms behind its resurgence. There were 14 confirmed cases in Northern Kentucky in 2019. Croup is caused by a. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the lungs and airways. Pertussis is characterized by a paroxysmal, spasmodic cough that usually ends in a prolonged, high-pitched crowing inspiration or. The first symptoms of pertussis may be similar to those of a common cold, including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, red and watery eyes, mild fever, and a dry cough. Worldwide, it infects between 30 million and 50 million people a year, and kills. Neurological complications of pertussis are also reported. Whooping cough can be a life threatening infection that affects Babies, toddlers and young children adversely. Whooping cough is very contagious. is easily spread by breathing in tiny droplets that are released into the air by other people’s coughs and sneezes. About Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Resources and fall. Aug 24, 2023. e. , is normally administered three. Pertussis. Hundreds of babies are hospitalized each year for whooping cough, and some die from it. Whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is given as a combination vaccine with the vaccines for diphtheria and tetanus. Dry coughs can be caused by inflammation in your respiratory system. It is caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. The CDC case definition of pertussis includes coughing of any duration and at least one sign or symptom (i. INTRODUCTION. Infants younger than 6 months of age are at highest risk for complications. Symptoms of whooping cough may include: Coughing, violently and rapidly, until all the air has left the lungs and a person is forced to inhale, causing a "whooping" sound. In the 20th century, pertussis was one of the most common childhood. These medicines included pertussis immunoglobulin (antibodies to increase the body's resistance to whooping cough) and treatments already used to treat symptoms of asthma and hay fever (antihistamines. How It Spreads. It can cause serious respiratory illness in people of all ages but is. There have been 340 cases between January 2018 and July 2019. A whooping cough test usually uses fluid from your nose to help diagnose whooping cough, also known as pertussis. In children with acute (< 4 weeks) cough, posttussive vomiting is suggestive of. ”. Babies routinely get their shots at 2, 4 and 6 months and additional booster at 15 months and again between 4 and 6 years. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is a pathogen (disease-causing organism) with a propensity for lung tissue. Babies less than 6 months of age are too young to be fully vaccinated. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough (also known as pertussis) is a serious disease of the airways. Parents of young children have been urged to ensure their kids’ vaccinations are up to date as cases of pertussis, known as whooping cough, rise rapidly in South Africa. In 2018, there were more than 151 000 cases of pertussis. Once a diagnosis of pertussis is made, antibiotic therapy should start as soon as possible. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths, which. Amid a rash of whooping-cough cases, Northern Kentucky health officials will immunize child-care workers against the disease. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing that. Although childhood vaccination has dramatically reduced. Coughing rapidly, over and over. Pertussis is also known as whooping cough. The combination vaccine, known as D. CodyCross is one of the most popular games which is available for both iOS and Android. The pertussis vaccine (DTaP, Tdap) is part of the recommended vaccine schedule for children and adults. However, pertussis is most serious in children younger than 2 years, and nearly all deaths occur in children younger than 1 year. The coughing makes it hard to breathe and produces a deep "whooping" sound. In 2012,. ”. More than 2,000 cases were reported in the United States in 2022. In 1679, Sydenham named the illness pertussis, from the Latin term meaning "intense. Causes. 1 It is transmitted via airborne droplets and is highly infectious. Everyday Puzzles: Brain Games. A child may turn blue from lack of air, or vomit after a coughing spell. Pertussis, literally meaning “a violent cough,” also known as whooping cough or “the cough of 100 days,” was first described in the Paris epidemic of 1578. B. 0 Definition of whooping cough. Pertussis, also known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious acute respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. August 18, 2023 | 1 Comment. Bacteria attack the lungs, causing airways to restrict. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. A chesty cough produces thick mucus known as phlegm. Pertussis, also known as ‘whooping cough’, is an acute respiratory tract infection caused by the gram-negative bacteria Bordetella pertussis [1–3]. CodyCross is one of the most popular games which is available for both iOS and Android. Whooping cough can cause rapid,. In this. After fits of many coughs, a person with pertussis often needs to take deep. Symptoms are initially those of nonspecific upper respiratory infection followed by paroxysmal or spasmodic coughing that usually ends in a prolonged, high-pitched, crowing inspiration (the. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be. In 1679, Sydenham named the illness pertussis, from the Latin term meaning "intense cough. This disease is characterized by severe and uncontrollable coughing, which imposes a significant burden on patients. A Chinese reference to "the cough of 100 days" by Chao Yuanfang in the early 7 th century may have referred to pertussis . The Mayo clinic which is a major health care clinic reports that in the first half of the 20th century whooping cough was the leading cause of childhood illness and death in the U. The disease primarily affected young children, with a high associated mortality rate []. It has been called the “100 day cough. We've had an effective vaccine against whooping cough for decades, but the illness continues to thrive. Aside from the rash, people with German measles usually have a fever and swollen lymph nodes. • 0:35 Whooping cough is also called pertussis, • 0:38 because it's caused by an infection • 0:40 from a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The incubation period for pertussis. "Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [ 27. 4 to 6 years. Pertussis or whooping cough is an uncontrollable, violent cough that often causes cough fits. It is highly contagious and causes a prolonged infection that is passed from person to person through respiratory droplets and close contact. Credit: CDC. It is an infection of. A . How does pertussis spread? Pertussis is spread through the air by infectious droplets and is highly contagious. Overview What is whooping cough? Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a very contagious upper respiratory infection. The well-known symptoms of pertussis include repeated paroxysmal cough, inspiratory whoop, and. In adults with acute (< 3 weeks) or subacute (3-8 weeks) cough, the presence of whooping or posttussive vomiting should rule in a possible diagnosis of pertussis, whereas the lack of a paroxysmal cough or the presence of fever should rule it out. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory disease that is predominantly caused by the gram-negative bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which is found only in humans . Inquire about contact with infants and pregnant women when you suspect a case in an older child, adolescent, or adult. The front-line treatment for whooping cough is antibiotics. pertussis). Not everyone who has whooping cough will make the ‘whoop sound’. This disease is characterized by severe and uncontrollable coughing, which imposes a significant burden on patients. pertussis is a bacterium that targets the lungs, typically causing a three-stage respiratory infection that is known as pertussis or whooping cough. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a respiratory tract infection, usually caused by a fastidious pleomorphic gram-negative coccobacillus, Bordetella pertussis, and characterized by a severe and protracted cough. CDC reports that since the 1980s, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of pertussis in the United States (2011a). Today, the disease is not only treatable but also preventable with a vaccine. has seen patients present with symptoms. This crossword clue belongs to CodyCross Brazilian Tour Group 769 Puzzle 3. Whooping cough (also known as Pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is also known as "whooping cough" because of the "whoop" sound children or other patients sometimes make during coughing. In babies whooping cough can lead to a life threatening symptom known as "Apnea. It’s characterized by severe coughing fits, trouble breathing, and. Whooping cough was once the leading cause of death in children under five in the United States. Pertussis, also known as "whooping cough," is a highly contagious, acute respiratory illness caused by Bordetella pertussis. Educate parents to consider pertussis when their child has a cough or apnea. Whooping cough can. Miami, Florida 33130, EUA We Work - Suite 500 - Fanatee. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, has recently re-emerged as a major public health threat despite high levels of vaccination against the aetiological agent Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough (also known . Disease factsheet about pertussis. The disease gets its name from the high-pitched “whooping” sound a patient can make when trying to catch a breath during a coughing fit. Family medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Health System – Red Wing in Zumbrota, Elizabeth Cozine, M. Whooping cough is highly contagious and is most harmful to babies. During the paroxysmal stage, severe outbreaks of coughing often lead to the classic high. See, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, begins like a cold and then becomes more severe after several weeks. It affects people of all ages but can be very serious for babies less than a year old. Whooping cough can be “extremely serious especially in. This kids' cough is caused by a viral infection. Although whooping cough is cyclical, peaking. Since then, cases of whooping cough have risen sharply. from person to person. The cases are throughout the. Rockland, in previous years, has had as few as. INTRODUCTION. In this re-analysis, data from 108 cases of pertussis in infants younger than 2 months of age (including four cases whose mothers received Boostrix during the third trimester) and 183 control. Vaccination for pertussis is recommended for persons of all ages in the United States and is well below target for adults. Whooping cough is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing, which often makes it hard to breathe. Whooping cough (pertussis) is an endemic (common) disease in the United States. e. In 2018, there were more than 151,000 cases of pertussis worldwide. Whooping cough is also called the 100 days’ cough in some countries. Horovitz. There may be wheezing when you breathe in. At the same time, coughing begins to occurWhooping cough, or pertussis, is a respiratory infection that can cause coughing fits. Vaccines against this disease are widely available since the 1950s. Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex® US Brand Name. A common but under-recognized cause of a chronic cough in adults is pertussis, also known as whooping cough. It’s a serious infection that causes a long coughing illness and can be life threatening. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 10 days after infection. 1. Pertussis. What causes pertussis? Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is . It was onePertussis is one of the top ten fatal infections in children, causing serious and potentially fatal complications, especially in very young infants [1, 2]. Cough. In 2017, California saw a whooping cough infection rate of 97 cases per 100,000 residents for babies age four months and younger compared to only 1. This makes it difficult for the patient to breathe and requires them to take deep breaths resulting in a “whooping” sound. In: Hall E, Wodi AP,. " Pertussis, a respiratory illness commonly known as whooping cough, is a very contagious disease caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is highly contagious. The. Severe coughing fits can last for weeks. Residents of Fraser East (Mission, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz and Hope), call 604-702-4906. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. A person can spread the diseaseBefore antibiotics were available, diphtheria was a common illness in young children. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a serious infection that spreads easily from person to person.