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Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly infectious, disease that can be prevented with vaccines.

When an infected person coughs or sneezes, nearby people can easily breathe in the bacteria. 

It can affect people of any age, however the following people are at high risk for infection and severe disease or death:

• Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated babies and young children
• Babies younger than six months old 
• People with a weakened immune system and those with chronic lung disease.

Pertussis can be prevented by getting vaccinated. In South Africa, children are usually vaccinated at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age, in combination with other vaccines, and get a booster dose at 18 months. Over time, immunity after vaccination decreases, so we recommend a booster vaccination between the ages of 4 and 8, to maintain protection. 

Pertussis can cause a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person. The disease starts slowly and can either be mild or severe. Symptoms can usually appear between 7 and 10 days after exposure to the bacteria, but the disease can start from 5 to 21 days after exposure. 

Initial signs and symptoms are similar to a cold and may include:

• blocked or runny nose;
• sneezing;
• sore throat; 
  
• dry cough that becomes worse after a few days and bursts of coughs are followed by a whooping sound; 
• a worse cough at night, followed by vomiting after coughing; and
• no or minimal fever. 

Babies may not cough, but they may struggle to breath, or stop breathing and have a bluish discolouration of the skin. 

Teenagers and adults who were previously vaccinated may only have a persistent cough.

Your medical practitioner will advise on the treatment, however antibiotics are usually effective in reducing the infectious period.

If a case of pertussis is diagnosed, people who have been in close contact with the patient must go to the nearest clinic or doctor for treatment. 

For more information, contact your nearest clinic or healthcare facility.

If you find yourself in an emergency situation, contact 021 480 7700.​