Focus on pertussis

Abstract

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an upper respiratory tract illness caused by a bacterium called Bordetella pertussis. The name “whooping cough” comes from the loud, high-pitched “whooping” sound people make when they gasp for air at the end of a coughing fit.

Although pertussis can affect people of all ages, young unvaccinated or partially-vaccinated infants, especially infants under six months of age, are the most vulnerable and at highest risk for developing serious disease and complications.