Whooping cough

Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. This bacterium produces toxins that cause severe coughing fits, which can last for several months. Because of this, the illness is often referred to as the '100-day cough'. The disease is particularly dangerous for babies and young children. For this reason, the whooping cough vaccine has been part of the National Immunisation Programme since 1957. Whooping cough is contagious and can be transmitted through coughing. Babies are often infected by their mother or siblings. It is possible to contract whooping cough more than once in a lifetime.

Where does whooping cough occur?

Whooping cough is found worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 45 million people contract whooping cough each year, with approximately 400,000 deaths. If you are travelling with young children, make sure they have received the whooping cough vaccine.

What are the symptoms?

The incubation period for whooping cough is usually between seven to ten days. Symptoms may include:

• Runny nose
• Cough, coughing fits
• Wheezing
• Vomiting (rarely)
• Shortness of breath
• Pneumonia
• Brain haemorrhages
• Brain damage
• Seizures

How to prevent whooping cough?

An infection or vaccination provides several years of protection but does not completely prevent the disease. Therefore, young children are vaccinated. Most adults don’t get vaccinated anymore because the disease is usually less severe for them. Besides, many adults have been vaccinated in the past or may have had the disease without realising it. To reduce the risk of transmitting whooping cough, it is advisable to cover your mouth and nose with your hand when coughing or sneezing, and to wash your hands afterwards.

The RIVM has advised the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport that pregnant women should receive the whooping cough vaccine. You can find more information about the whooping cough vaccine, also known as 22-week vaccination, here.

More information

If you would like to learn more about whooping cough, please check out the RIVM information page here: Whooping cough | RIVM.