DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Infectious Disease

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

HIGH SEVERITY

A highly contagious respiratory infection causing severe coughing fits ending in a 'whoop' sound. Most dangerous for infants who may stop breathing. Caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Vaccine-preventable but immunity wanes.

Global Affected

24.0M

Countries

20

Symptoms

Runny nose
Low fever
Mild cough (catarrhal phase)
Severe coughing fits (paroxysmal phase)
Whooping sound on inhalation
Vomiting after coughing
Exhaustion
Apnea (infants)
Cyanosis

Treatment Options

Macrolide antibiotics (early)
Supportive care
Oxygen (if needed)
IV fluids
Respiratory isolation
Hospitalization (infants)
Cough suppressants (limited benefit)
Close contact prophylaxis

Risk Factors

1Unvaccinated or incomplete vaccination
2Age (under 6 months)
3Waning vaccine immunity
4Close contact with infected person
5Pregnancy (transmission to newborn)
6Healthcare workers
7Childcare workers

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1PCR (nasopharyngeal swab)
  • 2Culture (nasopharyngeal swab)
  • 3Serology (later in illness)
  • 4Chest X-ray (complications)
  • 5Clinical diagnosis (classic whoop)

Prognosis

Good with treatment. Cough may persist 6-10 weeks ('100-day cough'). Infants at risk for apnea, pneumonia, seizures, encephalopathy, death. 1 in 400 infants die. Adults usually have milder disease but can transmit to infants.

Prevention

  • DTaP vaccination (children)
  • Tdap booster (adolescents/adults)
  • Tdap during every pregnancy (27-36 weeks)
  • Cocooning (vaccinating household contacts)
  • Antibiotic prophylaxis for contacts
  • Respiratory isolation

Research Status

DTaP/Tdap vaccines. Resurgence due to waning immunity. Antibiotics reduce transmission if given early. Infants too young for vaccination at highest risk. Maternal vaccination during pregnancy protects newborns. Research on improved vaccines ongoing.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoIndiaChinaRussiaSwedenNetherlandsNorwayFinlandDenmarkIreland

Sources

  • https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis
  • https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/pertussis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/whooping-cough

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.