Pertussis, also known as
whooping cough or
100-day cough, is a highly contagious
bacterial disease. Initially, symptoms are usually similar to those of the
common cold with a runny nose,
fever, and mild
cough. This is then followed by weeks of severe coughing fits. Following a fit of coughing, a high-pitched whoop sound or gasp may occur as the person breathes in. The coughing may last for 10 or more weeks, hence the phrase "100-day cough". A person may cough so hard that they vomit,
break ribs, or become
very tired from the effort. Children less than one year old may have little or no cough and instead have
periods where they do not breathe. The period of time between infection and the onset of symptoms is usually seven to ten days. Disease may occur in those who have been vaccinated, but symptoms are typically milder.