Pertussis: Importance of prevention and early treatment

In 2025, a total of 367 cases of pertussis were reported to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person through coughing or sneezing.

Early pertussis symptoms often resemble a common cold, including a runny nose, sneezing, mild cough, or low-grade fever. Within one to two weeks, symptoms may worsen into severe coughing fits that can cause vomiting, extreme fatigue, or a high-pitched “whoop”. Some people may have trouble breathing and require hospital...