A highly contagious bacterial infection causing severe coughing fits. Despite high vaccination rates, pertussis has seen resurgence in recent decades.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is known for severe coughing episodes that can last for weeks or months, often ending with a "whooping" sound when the person breathes in (CDC, 2024).
Before vaccines, pertussis was a major cause of childhood death in the U.S., with up to 200,000 cases annually. Since the 1980s, reported cases have increased, with periodic outbreaks despite high vaccination coverage. In 2012, the U.S. had nearly 50,000 reported cases—the most since 1955.
Infants too young to be fully vaccinated are at highest risk for severe disease and death.