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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

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Pertussis, also referred to as Whooping Cough or the "100-day cough", is a disease caused by bacteria that is easily spread from person to person. Anyone can get pertussis, although it's usually mild in older children and adults, but often causes serious problems for young children.


What are the signs of Pertussis?

Pertussis symptoms have three stages

  • 1st stage: begins like a cold with a runny nose, sneezing, and cough. The cough slowly worsens for a week or two

  • 2nd stage: uncontrollable coughing spells, vomiting after coughing, and sometimes getting a whooping noise you can hear when one breathes in. This stage lasts around 2 to 6 weeks

  • 3rd stage: when symptoms gradually lessen. The person may still have a cough for months

How is Pertussis spread?
When do you get vaccinated for Pertussis?
What do I do if I test positive for Pertussis?

If diagnosed with Pertussis, current recommendations state that one must isolate for 5 days after receiving antibiotics. One is considered to be infectious 7 days before cough onset through 3 weeks (21 days) after cough onset.

What if I am a close contact of a confirmed case?
What does the current outbreak look like?
Information for Schools

Resources

  1. https://www.mass.gov/info-details/pertussis

  2. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html

  3. https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/vaccines/index.html

Last Updated:

10/29/24, 3:32 PM

Last Updated:

10/29/24, 3:32 PM

Last Updated:

10/29/24, 3:32 PM

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