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

2.  upper respiratory infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacteria.

3.  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.

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

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

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

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

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