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Observium Pertussis (whooping cough)

Pertussis (whooping cough) Bordetella pertussis

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by two or three months of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. The violent coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase "100-day cough". The cough may be so hard that it causes fatigue, vomiting, and rib fractures. Children less than one year old

3WHO outbreaks
115Cases reported
17Deaths
2Countries affected

Countries with active outbreaks

  • Afghanistan — 2 events, 115 cases, 17 deaths
  • United Kingdom — 1 events

Recent events

  • 2003-01-21T00:00:00Z · Afghanistan — Pertussis in Afghanistan - Update
  • 2003-01-08T00:00:00Z · Afghanistan — Pertussis in Afghanistan · 115 cases · 17 deaths
  • 2026-05-21T08:30:04+00:00 · United Kingdom — Guidance: Pertussis: guidelines for public health management

Frequently asked questions

What is Pertussis (whooping cough)?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is an infectious disease caused by Bordetella pertussis. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis or the 100-day cough, is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable bacterial disease. Initial symptoms are usually similar to those of the common cold with a runny nose, fever, and mild cough, but these are followed by two or three months of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes

How is Pertussis (whooping cough) transmitted?

The main transmission routes of Pertussis (whooping cough) are: droplet.

Where is Pertussis (whooping cough) endemic?

Pertussis (whooping cough) is endemic in the following regions: Worldwide, resurging.

What is the case fatality rate of Pertussis (whooping cough)?

The typical case fatality rate (CFR) of Pertussis (whooping cough) is 1–2 in infants%.

How many active Pertussis (whooping cough) outbreaks worldwide?

Currently 3 active WHO outbreaks reported, with 115 cases and 17 deaths in the surveillance window.

Official sources

Observium aggregates real-time data from authoritative sources: WHO Disease Outbreak News, CDC NNDSS, ECDC, Europe PMC, Italian Ministry of Health, ISS, UKHSA, RIVM, RKI, BAG, ISCIII, NICD, and 20+ national sources plus Google News.

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