Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It leads to severe, uncontrollable coughing fits often accompanied by a high-pitched “whoop” sound. Listening to a child suffer from these fits can be distressing, and the second stage of whooping cough can cause complications such as vomiting, broken ribs, or even burst blood vessels. Alarmingly, cases of whooping cough are increasing rapidly worldwide, and South Africa is no exception.
What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)?
Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that causes respiratory tract inflammation and uncontrollable coughing fits. The “whoop” sound occurs when a person gasps for air after a coughing spell.
Click here to listen to the distinct whooping sound in children.
How is Whooping Cough Spread?
The infection spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes near others. Once exposed, symptoms typically appear within 5 to 10 days.
Symptoms of Whooping Cough
Whooping cough progresses through three stages:
1️⃣ Stage 1 (Early Symptoms):
- Runny nose, sneezing, mild fever, and a mild cough.
- Infants may have difficulty breathing rather than coughing.
2️⃣ Stage 2 (Severe Coughing Fits):
- Lasts 1 to 6 weeks, sometimes up to 10 weeks.
- Rapid, violent coughing fits that worsen over time.
- Symptoms may include vomiting, extreme exhaustion, and the signature “whoop.”
- Babies may experience apnoea (pauses in breathing for over 20 seconds).
3️⃣ Stage 3 (Recovery):
- Lasts 2 to 3 weeks.
- Coughing becomes less severe but may return for months.
- Increased vulnerability to respiratory illnesses.
Why is Whooping Cough a Concern?
Whooping cough can be particularly dangerous for infants under six months old due to their limited immunity. Complications may include:
- Breathing difficulties (apnoea).
- Pneumonia.
- Dehydration and weight loss from poor feeding.
- Pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the lungs and heart).
- Seizures.
- In severe cases, brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Older children and teenagers may experience less severe complications such as:
- Broken blood vessels in the eyes or skin.
- Bruised or cracked ribs.
- Abdominal hernias from intense coughing.
How to Protect Your Child from Whooping Cough
Whooping cough is preventable through vaccination. Both the South African Government and private schedules recommend pertussis vaccines at the following intervals:
- 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks.
- Booster doses at 6 years and 12 years.
- Pregnant women: A pertussis vaccine in the second or third trimester protects newborns during their most vulnerable first six weeks of life.
💡 Key Tip: Don’t skip the booster vaccines at 6 years and 12 years. Many cases occur in teenagers due to missed boosters, combined with vaccine hesitancy and the absence of mask-wearing.
What to Do if Your Child Contracts Whooping Cough
If your child develops whooping cough, immediate medical care is essential. Antibiotics are used to prevent the spread of the infection but do not cure the cough itself. Other supportive treatments include:
- Clearing thick mucus from the airway through suctioning.
- Administering oxygen during severe coughing fits.
- Providing intravenous fluids if dehydration occurs.
These treatments often require hospitalisation to monitor and manage symptoms effectively.
Conclusion
Whooping cough is a preventable disease that causes significant distress and complications, particularly in infants. Vaccinations remain the most effective way to protect your family from this illness. Let’s work together to ensure our children are vaccinated and kept safe.
