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Whooping Cough

Whooping Cough illustration

What is whooping cough (pertussis)?

Travellers around the world should watch out for this menacing microbe that affects the lungs and airways. Following initial cold-like symptoms, it causes cough bouts which can last for several months and may leave you gasping for breath.

Whooping Cough illustration

Risk areas for Whooping Cough

Map of risk areas for Whooping Cough
  • Key fact

    Babies younger than 1 year old are at greatest risk of getting whooping cough and having severe complications.2

  • How do you get whooping cough?

    By breathing in droplets spread by the coughs and sneezes of people infected with the bacteria that cause whooping cough.2

  • Which countries are affected by whooping cough?

    Cases of whooping cough can occur all over the world (see map).1

  • What are the symptoms of whooping cough?

    Symptoms start with a runny nose, sore throat and rarely fever. After a week or so, bouts of uncontrollable coughing lasting several minutes can occur. Coughing may be severe enough to cause vomiting. Sometimes people find it difficult to breathe between coughing bouts and their gasping for breath causes the characteristic “whooping” noise. It can take a few months before the coughing stops.3

  • How serious is whooping cough?

    Babies under 12 months are particularly at risk of complications such as dehydration, breathing difficulties, pneumonia and fits. Emergency treatment may be required.3

  • Can I prevent getting whooping cough?

    You can take the following precautions to help reduce your risk of infection:

    • Visit your GP, the nearest convenient pharmacy or specialist travel health clinic for more information.
    • Practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of bacteria.2
    • Pregnant women are advised to have the whooping cough vaccine. This protects babies during their first weeks of life.3

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References
  1. World Health Organization. The Global Health Observatory. Pertussis – number of reported cases. July 2024. Available online: https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/indicators/indicator-details/GHO/pertussis-number-of-reported-cases (Last accessed May 2025)
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Whooping Cough (Pertussis). About Whooping Cough. April 2024. Available online: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/about/index.html (Last accessed May 2025)
  3. NHS. Conditions. Whooping cough. March 2023. Available online: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/whooping-cough/ (Last accessed May 2025)

UK-BOTB-2500027 May 2025