Surjit Singh Flora
Pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough, is a respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is highly contagious and easily spreads from person to person. The patient experiences intense coughing fits, often accompanied by a distinct “whooping” sound as they struggle to catch their breath. Vaccination is crucial in preventing this condition, especially in infants and young children, as it can pose significant risks to their health.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), highly infectious whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which targets our upper respiratory system, releasing toxins that can cause inflammation in the airways.
Whooping Cough is once again making headlines worldwide. The incidence of this disease is on the rise in various regions across the globe, such as China, Philippines, Netherlands, America, and Britain. Whooping cough is a serious infection that can be challenging to detect in its early stages and has the potential to be life-threatening.
According to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, China has reported 32,380 cases of the infection in the first two months of 2024, including 13 deaths. This figure of infection is 20 times more than last year. Along with this, 54 deaths have been recorded so far due to whooping cough in the Philippines. Let’s know about this disease and important things related to it. The initial symptoms of whooping cough are similar to those of the common cold, with nasal congestion, mild fever, and a mild cough being common. It is difficult to detect this disease until its severe symptoms appear. According to the CDC, after a week or two of whooping cough, symptoms can change to “very rapid and uncontrollable coughing fits.” Also, at the end of this attack, there may be a loud “whoop”-like sound while breathing. These coughing attacks can last up to 10 weeks.
Children are more likely to have the most severe symptoms of whooping cough. Children with it usually do not cough but may stop breathing. Children and adults, meanwhile, often have mild symptoms, but bothersome coughing fits can keep them awake at night.
Once the disease is diagnosed before the cough starts, doctors usually treat the infection with antibiotics. If a patient has a cough for more than three weeks, antibiotics are not needed because the bacteria have probably left the body and the cough is the result of damage to the airways.
This highly contagious disease is spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. This bacterium sticks to the lining of the airways in the throat and produces toxins that damage the cilia (small hair-like structures that help the airways clear mucus).
As a result, the airways become inflamed, leading to symptoms of whooping cough, including a severe cough, wheezing and difficulty breathing. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent it. The DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, is routinely given in several doses to infants and young children from 2 months of age.
Wash hands regularly with soap and water. Especially after coughing or sneezing.
Avoid sharing personal items such as utensils or drinking cups with others. Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets.
Avoid going to school, work or other public places if you have symptoms like cough and respiratory illness. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a family member develops symptoms of whooping cough.
(The writer is a veteran journalist and freelance writer based in Brampton).
