CDC - Pertussis (Whooping Cough) homepage

Mother holding baby.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.

The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization.

Would You Know Pertussis?

Hear the cough
It is important to know that not everyone with pertussis coughs or "whoops".

Pertussis Topics

About Pertussis

Causes & transmission, signs & symptoms, complications...

Pertussis Vaccination

Information on getting vaccinated, provider resources...

Clinicians

Disease information, clinical features, complications, laboratory testing & case definition...

Fast Facts

Know the facts about pertussis...

Surveillance & Reporting

Reporting & surveillance, outbreaks…

Outbreaks

The primary goal of pertussis outbreak control efforts is to decrease morbidity and mortality among infants...

Laboratory

Reference lab, pathogens studied, lab resources...

Pertussis in Other Countries

Global overview of pertussis, resources for travelers...

Publications & Multimedia

Publications, web features, podcasts, e-Cards, videos, print materials...

Fast Facts

In 2010, 27,550 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported in the U.S., but many more go undiagnosed and unreported.
Coughing fits due to pertussis infection usually last from 1 to 6 weeks, but can go on for up to 10 weeks or more.
Pertussis can cause serious illness in children and adults and can even be life-threatening for babies.

Pertussis leaves its victims literally gasping for air. At first, this tricky pretender might seem like a common cold—runny nose, fever, and cough...more

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What You Need To Know

Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious and can cause serious illness―especially in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Make sure your infants and young children get their recommended five shots on time.

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Multimedia

Web features, podcasts, electronic cards, videos, and posters related to pertussis...more

Pertussis Outbreaks 2010

In 2010, several states have reported an increase in cases and/or localized outbreaks of pertussis, including a state-wide epidemic in California.

See Notes from the Field: Pertussis --- January – June, 2010. MMRW: 9 July 2010 / 59(26);817.
Questions and Answers

Signs & Symptoms

Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and may include:

Runny nose
Low-grade fever (generally minimal throughout the course of the disease)
Mild, occasional cough

As the disease progresses, the classic and more severe symptoms of pertussis can appear and include:

Paroxysms (fits) of many, rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched "whoop"
Vomiting

Pertussis Vaccination

Pertussis Vaccine Basics
Parents-to-be, Infants & Toddlers, Adolescents...

DTaP and Td/Tdap Vaccine Information Statements
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine.

Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are continuously monitored for safety and efficacy...

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