Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breathes which result in a "whooping" sound. Pertussis most commonly affects infants and young children and can be fatal, especially in babies less than 1 year of age.
The best way to protect against pertussis is immunization.
Pertussis Topics
About Pertussis
Causes & transmission, signs & symptoms, complications...
Pertussis Vaccination
Information on getting vaccinated, provider resources...
Clinicians
Disease information, clinical features, complications, laboratory testing & case definition...
Fast Facts
Know the facts about pertussis...
Surveillance & Reporting
Reporting & surveillance, outbreaks…
Outbreaks
The primary goal of pertussis outbreak control efforts is to decrease morbidity and mortality among infants...
Laboratory
Reference lab, pathogens studied, lab resources...
Pertussis in Other Countries
Global overview of pertussis, resources for travelers...
Publications & Materials
Publications, web features, podcasts, e-Cards, videos, print materials...
Fast Facts
- In 2010, 27,550 cases of pertussis (whooping cough) were reported in the U.S., but many more go undiagnosed and unreported.
- Coughing fits due to pertussis infection usually last from 1 to 6 weeks, but can go on for up to 10 weeks or more.
- Pertussis can cause serious illness in children and adults and can even be life-threatening for babies.
Pertussis For Kids
Pertussis leaves its victims literally gasping for air. At first, this tricky pretender might seem like a common cold—runny nose, fever, and cough...more
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) – What You Need To Know
Pertussis (whooping cough) is very contagious and can cause serious illness―especially in infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated. Make sure your infants and young children get their recommended five shots on time.
Multimedia
Web features, podcasts, electronic cards, videos, and posters related to pertussis...more
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about pertussis? See these answers to pertussis frequently asked questions.
Pertussis Outbreaks
Pertussis is a common disease in the United States, with periodic epidemics every 3 to 5 years and frequent outbreaks.
- See Pertussis Epidemic — Washington, 2012. MMWR: July 20, 2012; 61(28):517-22.
- Questions and Answers
Would You Know Pertussis?
Hear how the cough may sound
It is important to know that not everyone with pertussis coughs or "whoops".
Pertussis Vaccination
Pertussis Vaccine Basics
Parents-to-be, Infants & Toddlers, Adolescents...
DTaP and Td/Tdap Vaccine Information Statements
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that explain to vaccine recipients, their parents, or their legal representatives both the benefits and risks of a vaccine.
Vaccine Safety
Vaccines are continuously monitored for safety and efficacy...
Images and logos on this website which are trademarked/copyrighted or used with permission of the trademark/copyright or logo holder are not in the public domain. These images and logos have been licensed for or used with permission in the materials provided on this website. The materials in the form presented on this website may be used without seeking further permission. Any other use of trademarked/copyrighted images or logos requires permission from the trademark/copyright holder...more
This graphic notice means that you are leaving an HHS Web site. For more information, please see the Exit Notification and Disclaimer policy.
Outbreak Posters
Coughing up the Facts on Pertussis
Contact Us:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Rd
Atlanta, GA 30333 - 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
