What everyone should know about Pertussis AKA whooping cough Published Aug. 30, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Oluwaseyi Adetunji 5th Medical Group Public Health MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious disease that affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella Pertussis which lives in the mouth, nose and throat. Pertussis is of major concern because it is most dangerous in infants and it spreads easily from child-to-child through droplets produced by coughing and sneezing. Whooping cough typically starts with cold-like symptoms that can include a runny nose, congestion, fever and violent coughing which often makes it difficult to breathe. The Centers for Disease Control advises parents to see a doctor if they or their children develop a prolonged or severe cough. Whooping cough is treated with antibiotics and the earlier the better. According to the CDC and World Health Organization, 30 to 50 million cases of pertussis are reported yearly worldwide with nearly 300,000 deaths. Nationally, almost 18,000 cases have been reported so far in 2012-- more than twice the number seen at this point last year. The most effective way to prevent pertussis is through vaccination. The CDC recommends children get vaccinated in five doses, with the first shot at age two months and the final one between four and six years. A booster shot is recommended around 11 or 12 years of age. Public Health encourages everyone to know their vaccination status. Visit or call the immunizations clinic at the 5th Medical Group at 723-5056 to find out your and/or your child's status. Or for more information contact public Health at 723-5204 or visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/features/pertussis.