Whooping Cough
Whooping Cough, also known as pertussis, common name applied to an acute, infectious disease of the respiratory tract, caused by the bacillus Bordetella pertussis. The disease is characterized in its late stages by a deep cough ending in a peculiar high-pitched whooping sound. Whooping cough occurs worldwide, periodically in epidemics. Infection with pertussis usually occurs by inhaling droplets sprayed into the air during coughing or sneezing spells by an infected person. Once inside the respiratory tract, pertussis bacteria produce toxins (poisonous chemicals) that interfere with the respiratory tract’s ability to eliminate microbial infections. Pertussis bacteria also produce chemicals that cause inflammation of the lining of the respiratory tract. The disease begins with a runny nose, a harsh cough, and a slight fever. The characteristic whoop develops one to two weeks later. Coughing spells, which usually occur at night and often end in vomiting, can continue to occur for four wee