Pertussis (whooping cough) is an acute respiratory infection
caused by Bordetella pertussis bacterium. It is highly
contagious and commonly affects young children, but teens
and adults can and do become infected
because vaccinations do wear off. Pertussis can present
serious health risks, but it is treatable if diagnosed in early.
Pertussis progresses in three stages that begin with
runny nose, sneezing, fever, and cough. This continues
into a second stage during which the cough lingers and eventually
becomes worse. Spells of coughing are set off by their
body’s attempts to remove mucus build up in the
respiratory system. After coughing, inhalation is marked by a
tell-tale whistling or whooping sound. In the final stage
and coughing lessens and breathing becomes easier. However,
during this recovery discomfort and fatigue are not uncommon.
Antibiotics are used to treat pertussis; the greatest risk
with the disease is the development of secondary bacterial
pneumonia. Most deaths related to pertussis occur in infants and
very young children.
Pertussis (whooping cough) has been rapidly increasing in
California this year. As of June 5, 2010, there has been a 4-fold
increase in the number of pertussis cases reported in California
compared to the same time period in 2009. If current trends
continue, California could experience a 50 year high in pertussis
despite the availability of a vaccine to protect both adolescents
and adults.
