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Whooping cough (pertussis)

Learn about signs and symptoms, how to protect yourself and your family, and resources about whooping cough.

Whooping cough (pertussis) causes a severe cough and may last for many weeks. It spreads easily in the air when someone with whooping cough talks, coughs, or sneezes around other people. The illness usually starts with mild cold symptoms or a cough. Then the cough can become severe. 

Whooping cough is most serious for babies. It can lead to hospitalization, pneumonia, breathing problems, brain damage, and even death.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough. The vaccine for babies and young children is called DTaP. The vaccine for teens and adults is called Tdap. Anyone who is pregnant should get the vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

Resources for the general public

Please use and share these materials to help spread awareness about whooping cough.

Resources for health care professionals

Pertussis is a reportable condition in King County. Health care providers, health care facilities, and laboratories are required to report cases of pertussis in King County residents within 24 hours by calling 206-296-4774.

See disease reporting requirements

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