Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It can cause serious breathing problems and even life-threatening complications, especially in babies.
Early Symptoms
Pertussis often begins with cold-like symptoms, which can make it hard to recognize at first:
- Runny nose
- Mild cough
- Low fever
These symptoms can develop into a severe cough that can last for weeks.
Complications
In more serious cases, pertussis can lead to:
- Breathing difficulties
- Pneumonia
- Hospitalization
- Death (about 1 in 100 cases)
How Pertussis Spreads
Older children, teens, and adults can also get pertussis, but their symptoms are often mild or go unnoticed. That makes it easy for them to spread the illness to babies and young children.
Many babies who catch pertussis are infected by older siblings, parents, or caregivers who don’t know they have it.
Someone with pertussis can be contagious for weeks, even with only mild symptoms.
When to See a Doctor
If a baby or young child has a persistent cough, get medical attention right away.
Early treatment with antibiotics can reduce the severity of symptoms and help prevent the spread to others.
How to Protect Your Children
If your children attended school or day care in Mississippi, they are already protected by required immunizations.
Getting Vaccinated
If your child has not been vaccinated against pertussis, you can get a Tdap vaccination from a pediatrician or from your local county health department.
Locate a county heath department or schedule a visit by calling 855-767-0170.
Immunization Records
Not sure about your child's vaccination history? You can find your family's records by creating a account with the MyIR service.
You can also check with your pediatrician, or contact the MSDH Immunization Office at 601-576-7751.
