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.
Croup: An infection of the larynx, trachea, and bronchial tubes that occurs mainly in children. It is usually caused by viruses but sometimes by bacteria. Symptoms include a cough that sounds like a seal's bark and a harsh crowing sound during inhalation. A low-grade fever is common. A major concern with croup is difficulty breathing as the air passages narrow.