Pertussis (whooping cough)
Caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis, this disease is highly infectious and most serious in babies.
The disease is spread through droplets in the air and it can develop from upper respiratory tract (windpipe) infections into pertussis pneumonia (lung infection).
Symptoms include coughing and ‘whooping’, which can continue for a few months.
Complications of the disease include hypoxic encephalopathy (lack of oxygen to the brain) leading to brain damage and possibly death.
Pertussis (whooping cough) is a vaccine preventable disease.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.
People in high risk occupations, such as health and child care workers, should consider receiving a booster against pertussis. Contact your doctor or State or Territory Health Department for more details.
For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 08 April, 2008