Pertussis

Also known as Whooping Cough or the 100 day cough

Caused by Bordetella Pertussis Bacterium

Rod shaped, aerobic, gram-negative bacteria

Attaches to respiratory cilia and produces toxin

Very Contagious
Only found in humans

How is it spread?

7-10 day incubation period

Divided into 3 Stages
Catarrhal
Paroxysmal
Convelescence

Catarrhal Stage

• Last approximately 1-2 weeks
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Low grade fever
• Mild, occasional cough

Paroxysmal Stage

• Lasts 1-6 weeks (may last up to 10 weeks)
• Bursts (or paroxysms) of rapid numerous coughs
• Accompanied by high pitched whoop
• May be cyanotic during an attack
• Vomiting and exhausting following

Paroxysmal Stage

• Does not appear ill between attacks
• Attacks more frequent at night
• Paroxysms due to difficulty expelling mucus
• infants less than 6 months may not have strength to produce whooping sound

Convalescence Stage

• Gradual recovery
• Less paroxysmal coughs
• typically goes away within 2-3 weeks

Who's at risk?

• Anyone
• Unvaccinated infants under 1 year highest risk 
• From 2013-14 24% increase in reported cases

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