Who is affected by whooping cough?

Who is affected by whooping cough?

Whooping cough (pertussis) is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It mainly affects babies younger than 6 months old who aren’t yet protected by immunizations, and kids 11 to 18 years old whose immunity has started to fade.

How does whooping cough infect people?

Pertussis is spread from person to person. The infection gets into your body through your nose, mouth or eyes. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, bacteria-containing droplets get in the air. If you are close enough, you can breathe in these droplets or they can land on your mouth, nose, or eye.

Can animals get whooping cough?

Bordetella pertussis does not naturally cause disease in animals. Nevertheless, experiments in animals have made important contributions to the present, although incomplete, understanding of pertussis. Mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, ferrets, and primates have been used.

Can you recover from whooping cough without antibiotics?

Whooping cough is usually treated with antibiotics, which can help reduce the severity or length of time it takes to recover from the illness. However, antibiotics aren’t likely to help if the cough has persisted for more than two to three weeks. Taking cough medications probably will not help ease symptoms.

What is the clinical name for whooping cough?

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) 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.

Did whooping cough come from animals?

Bordetella pertussis is a human bacterium. It does not infect animals and animals are not direct sources of infection.

Is whooping cough common in Australia?

Despite an established vaccination program whooping cough is still common in Australia, with regular outbreaks every few years. In 2009 rates were highest in infants, while in 2011, 2015 and 2016, rates were highest in children aged 1–14 years.

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