Whooping cough

Infectious disease caused by bacteria pertussis. It is a very dangerous disease for infants because it can cause respiratory arrest. Children and adults can also be infected but with less consequences, with only one strong and prolonged cough.

Treatment

You take medicine to combat cough and antibiotics against the pathogen.

Bring back to the hospital

cough is very strong, almost preventing breathing.

not very well, for a cough vomit several times.

has a fever.

Prevention

Only individuals who have already purchased the disease or received DTP vaccine (three doses) are not at risk of acquiring it. There individual characteristic that predisposes to the disease, except the presence or absence of specific immunity. Thanks to vaccination programs, the incidence of pertussis cases in Brazil (which has already reached nearly 36 000 reported cases per year between 1981 and 1991) has been reduced.