is an acute upper respiratory infectious disease also known as whooping cough.
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is an acute infection of the respiratory tract caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Only humans can be affected by this disease. Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory droplets spread during coughs and sneezes from an infected person. Symptoms begin with a mild respiratory illness then progresses to prolonged cough episodes with the characteristic whoop or which end in vomiting.