Overview 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that affects the respiratory tract. The illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) bacteria, for which humans are the only known natural reservoir.verview 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that affects the respiratory tract. The illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) bacteria, for which humans are the only known natural reservoir.
Often, cramps. 1  a sudden, involuntary, spasmodic contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, especially of the extremities, sometimes with severe pain. 2  a piercing pain in the abdomen.
A muscle (or even a few fibers of a muscle) that involuntarily (without consciously willing it) contracts is in a spasm.. If the spasm is forceful and sustained, it becomes a cramp. Muscle cramps often cause a visible or palpable hardening of the involved muscle. Muscle cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds to a quarter of an hour or occasionally longer.