Pertussis

Pertussis, further known as the “whooping cough” is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis (or B. pertussis). It is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes an uncontrollable cough. When a person with pertussis tries to take a breath, a deep “whooping” sound is often heard. This coughing caused by the disease makes it hard to breathe.
Symptoms of Pertussis include a runny nose, a slight fever (102 or lower), severe, repeated coughs that: make breathing difficult, result in vomiting, produce a high-pitched “whopping” sound when a person takes a breath, and may cause a short loss of consciousness. Other symptoms include diarrhea and choking spells in infants. The cough comes in three stages. The first stage is when the cough gradually becomes more severe. After about two weeks, the second stage begins. It is during the second state that the “whooping” cough usually is suspected. In the third state of the cough is the stage where recovery is gradual. The cough becomes less paroxysmal and usually disappears over a few weeks.
What causes this disease? The “Whooping” cough is caused by bacteria called Bordatella pertussis. B. Pertussis causes its most severe symptoms by attaching itself to those cells in the respiratory tract. “Whooping" cough is caught by being coughed on by someone with the infection, who often does not know they are infected. If everyone has been immunized there is very little whooping cough around, but if immunization levels are low then there is a high risk of catching the infection. Most babies catch whooping cough from a school-aged child, often a brother or sister, but adults can catch pertussis and infect babies, children and other adults. “Whooping” cough is spread by contact with droplets coughed out by someone with the disease or by contact with recently contaminated hard surfaces upon which the droplets landed. The most contagious time is during the first stage of the illness.
Treatment: Because younger children are at higher risk to develop a severe case of whooping cough than adults, most are admitted to the hospital. If not admitted to a hospital treatment includes isolating the patient until he or she has received five days of antibiotics. “Whooping” cough bacteria can be transmitted through contact with contaminated inanimate objects; be sure to wash hands every chance you can. The patients should drink plenty of fluids, including water, juices, sounds, and eat fruits to prevent dehydration. To decrease the amount of vomiting, the patient should eat small, having frequent meals. Only use medications instructed by your doctor. Use a cool mist vaporizer to help loosen secretions and sooth the cough. Monitor a sick child for signs of dehydration. If there is any sign of dehydration such as dry lops and tough, dry skins, or decrease in the amount of urine, contact a doctor immediately.
Works Cited:
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/whooping_cough/page6_em.htm
http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/whooping_cough.html
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/whooping_cough/article_em.htm
http://www.pertussis.com/