Understanding Pertussis: Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention
This article explains the causes and symptoms of pertussis, or whooping cough, emphasizing the bacterial infection route and vaccination's role in prevention. It also discusses early and severe signs of the disease, highlighting the importance of immunization and early detection.
Whooping cough, medically known as pertussis, is a contagious respiratory illness that can affect individuals of all ages. It is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, which infects the upper respiratory tract and causes airway inflammation. Despite its high infectivity, widespread immunization with the TDAP vaccine has significantly reduced its spread.
Key causes and transmission methods include:
Bacterial infection
Infection occurs when Bordetella pertussis bacteria enter the body, often through close contact with infected persons or during outbreaks.
Exposure to infected individuals or epidemic zones heightens the risk of contracting pertussis.
Vaccination remains the best prevention method, with the TDAP vaccine providing protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
Early symptoms include mild cold-like signs such as a runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild cough. In infants, apnea, or breathing pauses, may also occur. Over time, symptoms can worsen, including severe fatigue, vomiting, and the characteristic rapid, uncontrollable cough with a high-pitched “whoop” sound, lasting for weeks in some cases.
