Pertussis

Pertussis, or whopping cough, is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by Bordetella pertussis. It has long been a concern in pediatric populations, leading to aggressive vaccination strategies to help decrease pediatric disease. In recent years, recognition of pertussis infection in adult populations has increased, leading to more frequent diagnosis and recommendations for booster immunizations in the adult population. Early recognition and treatment as well as vaccination will help reduce the current increase in this disease. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.