County of Los Angeles
Department of Public Health
Acute Communicable Disease Control
313 N. Figueroa Street, Room 212
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 240-7941
Fax: (213) 482-4856
E-Mail:acdc2@ph.lacounty.gov
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Acute Communicable Disease Control
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease spread by close
contact with the respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Typical symptoms include
paroxysmal coughing, inspiratory whooping, and post-tussive vomiting. Complications include
pneumonia, seizures, and encephalopathy. Infants under 1 year of age are at highest risk for
developing severe complications. The minimum clinical criteria for pertussis is a cough lasting
at least two weeks with paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory “whoop,” or post-tussive vomiting,
without other apparent causes. Pertussis is confirmed by either positive B. pertussis culture or PCR.
Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a vaccine-preventable disease spread by close
contact with the respiratory secretions of infected individuals. Typical symptoms include
paroxysmal coughing, inspiratory whooping, and post-tussive vomiting. Complications include
pneumonia, seizures, and encephalopathy. Infants under 1 year of age are at highest risk for
developing severe complications. The minimum clinical criteria for pertussis is a cough lasting
at least two weeks with paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory “whoop,” or post-tussive vomiting,
without other apparent causes. Pertussis is confirmed by either positive B. pertussis culture or PCR.
