Whooping cough is a serious, highly infectious disease that kills one in every 200 children under six months of age who become infected. Transmission occurs by aerosol droplet following a cough or a sneeze.
Vomiting often follows the coughing spasm.
Coughing can last for up to 3 months. Children and adults who have an ongoing cough should consult their doctor. People who have whooping cough should stay home and avoid contact with others until they have completed at least 5 days of antibiotic treatment. Family members and other close contacts may also require antibiotic treatment. Whooping cough immunisation is recommended as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.