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Whooping Cough Is Up 600% — What Are The Deadly Disease’s Symptoms?
A staggering increase in whooping cough cases has been reported across the United States and globally, with a whopping 600% surge in recent times. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30,250 cases have been recorded in the U.S. so far this year, a significant jump from previous years.
As an alarming trend emerges, it is essential to recognize the symptoms of whooping cough and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It can be life-threatening, especially in young children and older adults.
The disease is characterized by a distinctive whooping sound when the patient experiences a violent, uncontrollable coughing fit. In severe cases, it can lead to respiratory complications, including pneumonia or even death.
Symptoms of whooping cough typically start with mild cold-like symptoms such as:
1. Runny nose
2. Coughing (initially non-whooping)
3. Fever
Within 7-14 days, the symptoms evolve into more severe signs of illness, including:
4. Severe paroxysmal coughing fits that can cause a prolonged whooping sound, followed by a brief period of apnea (breathing pause) during which patients may turn blue or even stop breathing temporarily
5. Gagging or choking on mucus
6. Vomiting
Whooping Cough: What You Need to Know
Source: http://www.forbes.com
