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Bordetella Pertussis

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Pertussis 

What is it? 

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, also known as whooping cough or the ‘hundred-day cough.’  

Symptoms of pertussis include fever, tiredness, runny nose and a cough that gradually develops into a hacking cough followed by whooping. Symptoms usually appear 7 – 10 days after infection, and can last up to 3 months.  

People with pertussis are usually infectious from the onset of their first cold-like symptoms, until 21 days after the cough symptoms, or until 5 days after antibiotic treatment has been completed.   

How is it transmitted? 

Pertussis is spread from person to person through the inhalation of droplets produced by coughing or sneezing.  

At risk groups 

Anyone can get pertussis, but it is considered to be life-threatening in babies, particularly those less than 6 months of age who are too young to be fully immunised.  

Unvaccinated children and adults, and household contacts of someone with pertussis are also at increased risk of infection.   

Healthcare workers are recommended to receive pertussis vaccination every 10 years, due to the increased risk of transmission of infection to vulnerable patients.  

Prevention 

Immunisation and prevention strategies are the best way to protect against pertussis infection. Pertussis can be prevented with vaccination, however as immunity fades over time, booster vaccinations are recommended every 10 years. Pregnant women should be vaccinated during each pregnancy between 20 to 32 weeks’ gestation to provide protection to the baby4.  

Prevention strategies to minimise the spread of pertussis include: cough etiquette, hand washing, increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces, personal protective equipment (PPE) and droplet transmission-based precautions. 

Key messages: 

  • Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent pertussis and is recommended for everyone. 
  • Vaccination is free through the National Immunisation Program for high-risk groups. 
  • Occupational groups are at an increased risk of exposure and transmission and should be up to date with their vaccinations.  

References 

  1. Australian Government. Pertussis (whooping cough). 2022;
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pertussis. Health topics. 2024;
  3. Health direct. Whooping cough. 2024;
  4. Better Health Channel. Whooping cough (Pertussis). 2024;(Infections)
  5. Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care; 2022.
  6. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare. National health and Medical Research Council; 2019.