PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to answer questions about whooping cough. Contact your physician for more information.

FACTS ABOUT PERTUSSIS, OR WHOOPING COUGH

The Lafene Health Center staff at Kansas State University prepared this fact sheet to provide more specific information about this disease, which was once considered only a disease of childhood.

What is pertussis?

Pertussis or whooping cough is a contagious disease involving the respiratory tract. The bacteria is found in the mouth, nose and throat of an infected person.

Who gets pertussis?

Pertussis can occur at any age. It is most dangerous to young children but can cause severe coughing in adults that lasts for many weeks to months.

How is pertussis spread?

Pertussis is spread by direct contact with discharges from the nose and throat of infected individuals.

What are the symptoms of pertussis?

Pertussis begins as a mild upper respiratory infection. Initially, symptoms resemble a common cold, including sneezing, runny nose, low grade fever and mild cough. Within two weeks the disease enters it second stage. The cough becomes more severe and is characterized by episodes of rapid coughs followed by a crowing or high pitched whoop in children (hence the name whooping cough). Adults rarely have a crowing or whoop sound. Adults typically have the repeated coughing episode which may be followed by gagging or vomiting, fainting, or marked breathlessness. In between episodes, adult feel pretty well in this second stage of the illness.

How long can someone spread pertussis?

For three weeks after the onset of coughing, but this can be reduced to only five days after beginning antibiotic therapy.

Is there a vaccine for pertussis?

There is no vaccine for adults. There are two types of vaccines for pertussis for children, both of which are given with the vaccines for tetanus and diphtheria, commonly called the DTP (the older vaccine) or the DTaP (the newer vaccine). Either vaccine is given at age 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age. The DTaP is preferred for the booster doses given at age 15 months and again at 4-6 years of age. Students, faculty and staff with children are encouraged to make sure that their children are up to date on these immunizations.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pertussis?

The most effective measure is to maintain the highest level of immunization in our children in the community. Until an adult vaccine becomes available (in two to three years at the earliest), antibiotic treatment can help to reduce spread of the infection by shortening the contagious period.

What should someone do if they think they might have pertussis?

Anyone with a severe cough lasting over 8-10 days should consider making an appointment. Pertussis is not the only cause of a cough lasting more that 8-10 days. The medical staff can check for other possible causes. If no other cause is found, then the staff can discuss cultures for pertussis and possible antibiotic treatment. There are no tests that can be done on the spot for pertussis. The culture is often negative in patients with pertussis and does not come back for more than a week, so the decision to treat must be made without the help of lab tests. Anyone with a severe cough who has any of the following: 1) coughing spells repetitive enough to produce breathlessness; 2) fainting or near fainting after coughing; or 3) gagging or vomiting after coughing, should be seen even if the cough has been present less than 8-10 days.

For more information, contact an infectious disease specialist in your area.

January 1998