Pertussis (whooping cough)
Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is spread through the air in droplets produced during coughing or sneezing.
Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe. After fits of many coughs, someone with pertussis often needs to take deep breaths which result in a
"whooping" sound. Pertussis can affect people of all ages, but it can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
The best way to protect against pertussis is by getting vaccinated.
Are you up-to-date? Act now to get vaccinated!
Alaska Surveillance Data
CDC reports pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns. Pertussis is cyclic in nature, with peaks in disease every 3 to 5 years. As typical infection patterns return to the United States, CDC expects pertussis cases to increase both in unvaccinated and vaccinated populations. Pertussis occurs in vaccinated people since protection from vaccination fades over time.
Vaccine Recommendations
- All children and adults should be up to date on recommended pertussis vaccines. See CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule.
- Prioritize vaccinating people who come into direct contact with infants under 1 year old.
- Pregnant people at 27–36 weeks gestation (third trimester) should receive 1 dose of Tdap vaccine (during each pregnancy).
Resources for the General Public
Resources for Healthcare Providers
Pertussis is a
public health reportable condition in Alaska. Reports must be made within 2 working days after being suspected or diagnosed. Please call the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000.
Infectious Disease Program Resources
For Schools Child Care, and Camp Programs