When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Last reviewed: 8 Apr 2025
Last updated: 01 Apr 2025

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • cough
  • inspiratory whooping
  • coryza
  • posttussive vomiting

Other diagnostic factors

  • apnea
  • neurologic complications

Risk factors

  • unvaccinated or undervaccinated status
  • close contact with an infected person, especially in the household

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • culture of a nasopharyngeal aspirate or swab from the posterior nasopharynx
  • nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) of nasopharyngeal aspirate or posterior nasopharyngeal swab
  • serology
  • CBC

Tests to consider

  • chest radiograph
  • oral fluid testing

Treatment algorithm

Contributors

Authors

Elisabeth Adderson, MD

Associate Member

St Jude Children's Research Hospital

Associate Professor of Pediatrics

University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center

Memphis

TN

Disclosures

EA declares that she has no competing interests.

Acknowledgements

Dr Elisabeth Adderson would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr M. Nawal Lutfiyya and Dr Carrie Sharkey-Asner, previous contributors to this topic.

Disclosures

MNL declared that she had no competing interests. Unfortunately, we have since been made aware that Dr M. Nawal Lutfiyya is deceased. CSA declares that she has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Anette Faye-Lund, MD

Department of Pediatrics

Hospital of Vestfold

Toensberg

Norway

Disclosures

AFL declares that she has no competing interests.

Alexander K.C. Leung, MBBS

Pediatric Consultant

Alberta Children's Hospital

University of Calgary

Alberta

Canada

Disclosures

AKCL declares that he has no competing interests.

References

Our in-house evidence and editorial teams collaborate with international expert contributors and peer reviewers to ensure that we provide access to the most clinically relevant information possible.

Key articles

Havers FP, Moro PL, Hariri S, et al. Pertussis. In: Hall E, Wodi AP, Hamborsky J, et al, eds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases (the Pink Book). 14th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation; 2021. Updated Apr 2024.Full text

Kilgore PE, Salim AM, Zervos MJ, et al. Pertussis: microbiology, disease, treatment, and prevention. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2016 Jul;29(3):449-86.Full text  Abstract

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Yellow Book 2024: health information for international travel. Section 5: travel-associated infections & diseases - pertussis/whooping cough. May 2023 [internet publication].Full text

American Academy of Pediatrics. Red book 2024-2027: report of the committee on infectious diseases. May 2024 [internet publication].Full text

Liang JL, Tiwari T, Moro P, et al. Prevention of pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria with vaccines in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Recomm Rep. 2018 Apr 27;67(2):1-44.Full text  Abstract

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Clinical overview of pertussis. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Infection control in healthcare personnel:​ epidemiology and control of selected infections transmitted among healthcare personnel and patients. Apr 2024 [internet publication].Full text

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available here.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer