Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an illness that causes a severe cough and may last for months. It can be especially dangerous in infants. Vaccination is the best protection against whooping cough.
What are the symptoms of whooping cough?
Early Symptoms (First 1-2 Weeks)
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
Later Symptoms
- Rapid, violent, and uncontrolled coughing fits
- High-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling after a cough
- Struggling to breathe
How does whooping cough spread?
Whooping cough is spread from person to person through the air when a person with whooping cough sneezes or coughs and others breathe in that air. People can be contagious for at least two weeks after cough starts.
How can we prevent whooping cough?
Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough. Make sure you are up to date on your Tdap vaccination, or DTaP for children.
Whooping Cough Vaccine Requirements
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccination for all ages.
In children, DTaP vaccine is given at the following ages:
- 1st dose at 2 months of age
- 2nd dose at 4 months of age
- 3rd dose at 6 months of age
- 4th dose at 15 to 18 months of age
- 5th dose at 4 to 6 years of age
Preteens between ages of 11 to 12 years should get a Tdap vaccine to boost their immunity.
In adults, those who have never received a Tdap vaccine should get one. This should be followed by a Tdap vaccine every 10 years to boost immunity.
In pregnant people, Tdap should be given during the early part of the 3rd trimester of every pregnancy. By doing so, babies are protected from whooping cough in the first few months of life.
For more information: Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines
Whooping Cough Activity and Surveillance
Pertussis Weekly Update (PDF)
This weekly report includes the current number of whooping cough cases for the state and for each county.
Visit the Pertussis Resources for Public Health Partners webpage for reporting and testing guidelines resources.
Visit the Notifiable Conditions – Pertussis webpage for a summary of pertussis and the rationale for reporting this condition.
Resources and Materials
- Whooping Cough Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Whooping Cough is Serious Handout | English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF) | Russian (PDF) | Vietnamese (PDF)
- Think they’re too old for immunizations? Think again. Handout (PDF)
- Grandparents – Protect your loved ones against flu and whooping cough (PDF)
- Pertussis (whooping cough) (CDC)
- Learn more about whooping cough and pregnancy