Abstract
Whooping cough (pertussis) is an acute, respiratory disease with a prolonged course, characterized by a paroxysmal irritating cough, with a sting, in infants with apnea. A cough attack often ends in vomiting.
In older children and adults, it may occur atypically as a persistent irritant cough, but without lamentation. Adults with an atypical course can be a source of infection for susceptible infants.
Pertussoid syndrome can also be caused by other bacteria and viruses.