Pertussis

Description:  A respiratory disease caused by bacteria.

Symptoms:  Severe spasms of coughing that can interfere with eating, drinking, and breathing.

Complications:  Pneumonia, encephalitis (due to lack of oxygen), and death, especially in infants.

Transmission:  Spread by coughing and sneezing (highly contagious).

Vaccine:  Pertussis vaccine (contained in DTP and DTaP) can prevent this disease.

Printable Vaccine Information Statement

Pictures:  CDC pictures / Immunization Action Coalition pictures.