Pertussis Information

What is Pertussis (Whooping Cough)?

• A very contagious respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis
• Begins like a common cold: mild fever, runny nose, sneezing with an occasional cough and then symptoms worsen
• Not everyone with pertussis “whoops” when coughing
• Can cause breathing failure or difficulties, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain
• Highly vulnerable population includes babies and infants
• Pregnant women are highly encouraged to get a Tdap vaccine during their third trimester of pregnancy regardless of vaccination history
• Tdap booster shot will pass some of the protection to the baby from the mother, until the baby is old enough (6 to 8 weeks) to get immunized

The Fresno County Immunization Program provides immunizations for children, who qualify for the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC), and eligible adults to protect them against vaccine-preventable diseases.

What is Pertussis?

• Causes and Transmission
• Signs and Symptoms
• Diagnosis and Treatment
• Whooping Cough: What You Need to Know
• Immunizations for a Healthy Pregnancy (Brochure)
• Personal Stories of People Affected by Pertussis

Medical Providers

• Vaccines and Immunizations
• Information on School Requirements">Information on School Requirements
• Clinical Guidance and Reporting Forms
• Vaccinating Pregnant Women

School Requirements

• Childcare
• K-12
• 7th Grade
• College
• California Immunization Law                                                                                                          

Resources

• California Summary: Reports on Pertussis
• County of Fresno Communicable Disease Quarterly Reports
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Whooping Cough Pamphlet (English) (Español) 

The Fresno County Department of Public Health Immunization Program utilizes the California Immunization Registry (CAIR). For more information on CAIR visit California Immunization Registry.