Pertussis activity in both Bexar and Harris counties is also three to four times higher than that which occurred last year. Physicians and other medical providers throughout Texas should suspect pertussis in any patient with a prolonged cough. Pertussis is not a disease that occurs just among children. Quite commonly children and young infants acquire the infection from their parents, grandparents, or other older adults.
Pertussis is highly contagious with symptoms that can linger six to ten weeks.
The disease is most severe in young infants, who experience complications more frequently than adults. A high index of suspicion is, therefore, necessary for early diagnosis.