Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough is characterized by severe coughing spells that can last for weeks. The coughing spells can be so violent that they can cause vomiting, difficulty breathing, and even rib fractures. Whooping cough can be fatal, especially in infants.
There is no cure for whooping cough, but it can be prevented with vaccination. The whooping cough vaccine is very effective, and it is recommended for all children. The vaccine is typically given in a series of shots, starting at 2 months of age.