Whooping Cough

Also known as:  Pertussis

Whooping Cough is an acute, highly contagious disease due to infection of the Mucous Membranes that line the Respiratory System by the Detrimental Bacteria - Bordetella pertussis.  The Mucous Membranes of the Respiratory Tract are the natural habitat of Bordetella pertussis.  Whooping Cough is characterized by a spasmatic Cough that lasts for up to six weeks.  Whooping Cough generally occurs after direct contact with an infected person.  It is highly contagious.

 Whooping Cough primarily affects children (however it can also affect adults).

 Approximately 25% of adults who visit a doctor because of persistent Cough are found to be afflicted with Whooping Cough.  Whooping Cough in adults is often overlooked, in part because the “whoop” is generally absent in adults with Whooping Cough.