Whooping cough: Causes, symptoms and how to prevent the contagious bacterial infection

Symptoms of whooping cough: The symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever (Image: Canva)

The recent outbreak of whooping cough in China and other parts of the world post-pandemic has raised concerns all around. Also known as pertussis, it is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the respiratory system. Despite advancements in healthcare, this illness remains a concern, especially among vulnerable populations such as infants and moms-to-be.

According to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration, as published in the Time magazine’s website, the world’s second-most populous country reported a combined 32,380 cases of pertussis — more commonly known as whooping cough — January and February, compared with 1,421 cases during the same period in 2023. There were 13 deaths.

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Recognising the symptoms and understanding prevention methods are crucial in combating the spread of this dangerous disease:

Symptoms of whooping cough

The early symptoms of whooping cough can resemble those of a common cold, making it challenging to diagnose in its initial stages. However, as the infection progresses, distinct symptoms begin to manifest. These include severe coughing fits followed by a distinctive "whooping" sound as the individual gasps for air. The long bouts of coughing during this ‘100-day cough’ can be serious and even turn deadly in certain cases.

These fits can be intense and frequent, often leading to vomiting or exhaustion. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, sneezing, a mild cough, and a low-grade fever. In infants, symptoms can be more severe and may include periods of apnea, where breathing momentarily stops.

Prevention from the disease

Preventing whooping cough primarily involves vaccination and practising good hygiene habits to limit the spread of the bacteria. The pertussis vaccine is typically administered as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule. It's crucial for infants and children to receive the full series of vaccinations to build immunity against the disease.

Additionally, pregnant women are advised to receive the pertussis vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy to pass on protective antibodies to their newborns. This helps provide passive immunity to infants until they are old enough to receive their own vaccinations.

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For those who may not have received the vaccine or are at risk of exposure, avoiding close contact with individuals who have the illness is essential. Maintaining proper hand hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitisers can also help prevent the spread of the bacteria.

While whooping cough can be a serious illness, especially for infants and young children, it is preventable through vaccination and good hygiene practices. By staying informed about the symptoms and prevention methods, one can take proactive steps to protect themselves and others from the spread of this contagious disease. Vaccination remains the most effective tool in combating whooping cough, highlighting the importance of maintaining up-to-date immunisation schedules for both children and adults.