Pertussis Information

Pertussis Information: Offers insights on prevention, symptoms, and treatment for public awareness and early disease management.

What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

  • A very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis

  • Begins like a common cold: mild fever, runny nose, sneezing with an occasional cough and then symptoms worsen

  • Not everyone with pertussis “whoops” when coughing

  • Can cause breathing failure or difficulties, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain

  • Highly vulnerable population includes babies and infants

  • Pregnant women are highly encouraged to get a Tdap vaccine during their third trimester of pregnancy regardless of vaccination history

  • Tdap booster shot will pass some of the protection to the baby from the mother, until the baby is old enough (6 to 8 weeks) to get immunized

The Fresno County Immunization Program provides immunizations for children, who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC), and eligible adults to protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases.

The Fresno County Department of Public Health Immunization Program utilizes the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). For more information on CAIR visit California Immunization Registry.

What is Pertussis?

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