Whooping cough in Barranquilla, Colombia

What is whooping cough?

It is a highly contagious bacterial infection of the airways, also called pertussis. It starts like a cold, then intense coughing fits appear, followed by a whoop when breathing in or vomiting. The cough can last weeks or months.

Why is it dangerous for babies?

In babies under six months, especially before completing vaccines, it can cause pauses in breathing, turning blue, pneumonia, seizures and even death. Sometimes they lack the typical cough and instead have breathing pauses or trouble feeding. If suspected in a baby, seek care immediately.

How is it treated?

With antibiotics, which work best early and reduce spread. Close contacts, especially in homes with babies or pregnant women, may also need preventive antibiotics. Young babies with whooping cough often need hospitalization.

How is it prevented?

With complete childhood vaccination on schedule, boosters for teenagers and adults and, above all, vaccination during each pregnancy, which passes protection to the baby for the first months. Adults living with babies should also be vaccinated.

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