whooping cough or pertussis, highly communicable infectious
disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The early
or catarrhal stage of whooping cough is manifested by the usual
symptoms of an upper respiratory infection with bronchial
involvement. After about two weeks the cough becomes paroxysmal;
10 to 15 coughs may follow in rapid succession before a breath
is taken, which is the characteristic high-pitched crowing
"whoop." An attack of coughing is accompanied by a copious
discharge of mucus and, often, vomiting. Antibiotics and
hyperimmune human serum are valuable in treatment. Rest and
proper nutrition (especially if there is frequent vomiting) are
important. Whooping cough is a serious disease, especially in
children under four years of age, since it may give rise to such
complications as pneumonia, asphyxia, convulsions, and brain
damage. For these reasons, it is recommended that all infants be
actively immunized beginning at as early an age as possible (one
to two months). The whole-cell pe