The CDC had documented more than 17,600 infections as of Oct. 5—more than four times those recorded at this time last year.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a very contagious bacterial infection. It starts like cold symptoms and then develops into the classic, persistent, whooping cough.

This swab is then tested for the Bordetella pertussis bacteria. Health care professionals may also consider the person's symptoms and whether they were recently exposed to any whooping cough cases.

"Particularly in small children, following the cough, they may vomit," said Chad Smelser, a medical epidemiologist for the New Mexico Department of Health. "Infants in particular, they can sometimes ...

Cases of whooping cough, or pertussis, have surged in the United States in 2024. Here's what to know about symptoms, treatment, vaccines and more.

Clark County faces a "community outbreak" of pertussis, or whooping cough, including dozens of suspected cases and one confirmed case inside a health center, according to local health officials.

Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It spreads through droplets of infected people when coughing and ...