A37: Whooping cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory tract. The infection is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria spread through tiny droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The hallmark sign of whooping cough is severe, uncontrollable coughing fits, often followed by a distinctive "whooping" sound during the next breath. The disease typically starts with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, mild fever, and mild cough, but progressively worsens into severe coughing fits. Often, people with whooping cough have episodes of rapid coughs followed by the desperate gasping for air, which produces the "whoop" sound. Complications can include pneumonia, seizures, and brain damage due to lack of oxygen. Recovery is usually gradual, with coughing episodes slowly decreasing over a period of weeks to months.