Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

What is whooping cough?

Whooping cough is a very contagious disease that makes it difficult to breathe and causes a very bad cough. It is caused by bacteria called Bordatella pertussis.

How is whooping cough spread?

Whooping cough can be spread when someone who is sick coughs or sneezes tiny drops into the air or onto objects. People who are in direct contact with the nose and throat secretions of an infected person can get the disease.

What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

Early symptoms of whooping cough are similar to a cold and may include:

• runny nose
• sneezing
• low-grade fever
• dry cough
• poor appetite

Symptoms progress to:

• severe coughing spells that worsen at night ("whooping" sound may be heard when breathing in)
• coughing may cause vomiting, nosebleeds, or broken blood vessels in whites of eyes, and damage to the lungs
• pneumonia or convulsions

The disease is more severe in babies and the babies often need to be admitted to hospital.

How long does whooping cough last?

Symptoms of whooping cough appear 7 to 21 days after contact with the disease. Symptoms may last 6 to10 weeks.

How long is whooping cough contagious?

Whooping cough can usually be spread to others for three weeks after the cough starts until after the person has taken antibiotics for five full days.

How is whooping cough treated?

Antibiotics are used to treat whooping cough. If antibiotics are taken for five full days, the person with whooping cough will no longer spread the disease, even though a cough might still be present.

See a doctor if a cough lasts longer than two weeks or causes vomiting (watch for signs of dehydration). Call 911 or go to emergency if you have trouble breathing or turn blue from the coughing spells.

How is whooping cough prevented?

Getting the whooping cough vaccine prevents whooping cough. A person with whooping cough should stay away from school/daycare/work until advised by a Public Health Nurse. Report whooping cough to your Community Health Centre.

Whooping Cough Vaccine

The whooping cough vaccine is usually given with the Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio and Hib vaccines. For full protection, children are vaccinated at 2, 4, 6, 18 months, 4 ½ years, and in grade 9.

There are no plans to immunize adults for pertussis at this time; however, Alberta Health may consider immunizing adults for pertussis in the future.

Review Date : January 2006

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