Pertussis is an acute respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bacillus pertussis, mainly characterized by a paroxysmal, spasmodic cough with a chicken-like inspiratory roar at the end of the cough and a duration of up to 2-3 months, hence the name pertussis.
After the triple vaccine (pertussis) was included in our planned immunization, the incidence has been significantly reduced. However, in recent years, the incidence has still increased due to occult infection in adults and easy transmission to infants and children, and some of them even develop the disease before vaccination, and newborns can also develop the disease.
The cough of whooping cough is characterized by paroxysmal spasmodic cough and chicken-like roar. If the cough increases after the temperature drops, especially at night, and there is no special lung auscultation, the diagnosis of whooping cough should be considered. In infants younger than 3 months of age, the condition is more severe, even with bouts of bruising and suffocation as the main manifestation, which can be life-threatening and should be treated actively.
Immediately isolate and treat children found with pertussis to prevent progressive spread of the disease. Vaccinations should be given on time after birth. Family members in close contact with the affected child, especially children, are given erythromycin for oral prophylaxis. Family members who have recurrent, long-term coughs should be treated promptly to avoid transmission to the young infant.