Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial disease that causes uncontrollable, violent coughing.

 upper respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

 When an infected person sneezes or coughs, tiny droplets containing the bacteria move through the air, and the disease is easily spread from person to person.

 Infants younger than 18 months need constant supervision  An oxygen tent with high humidity may be used.

 antibiotics such as erythromycin  Sedatives (medicines to make you sleepy) may be prescribed for young children.

 The period between the time of infection and when symptoms of whooping cough appear is called the incubation period.

 Usually curable in about 6 weeks with treatment.  Some persistent coughs may continue for months.

 Complications include severe ear infection, nosebleeds, dehydration, pneumonia, convulsions, and in rare cases, brain damage and death.