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Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

​​​Pertussis is spreading in Minnesota 

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a disease that affects the lungs. Pertussis often spreads through a person coughing or sneezing. A person with pertussis will have a severe cough that usually lasts 4-6 weeks or longer. Anyone can get pertussis.

​ Pertussis can be very serious, especially in infants.​ 

3 steps every person can take 

  1. Get tested for pertussis. If you or someone you know has a cough lasting seven or more days, get tested by your doctor or health care provider. 
  2. Be aware of notifications from schools, work and child care centers. They will send information if someone close to you or your family is sick and if you should get tested. 
  3. Get the pertussis vaccine (DTap or Tdap). Your age determines what vaccine you should get. Pregnant women should get the vaccine during the third trimester of each pregnancy.

​Pertussis s​ympt​oms 

The first symptoms of pertussis are like a cold:  
  • Cough 
  • Sneezing 
  • Runny nose 
  • Low-grade fever 
After 1–2 weeks, the cough becomes severe, such as: 

  • The cough occurs in sudden, uncontrollable bursts where one cough follows the next without a break for breath. 
  • A high-pitched whooping sound occurs when breathing in after a coughing episode. Whooping is less common in infants, adults and people who have received pertussis vaccine. 
  • Vomiting during or after a coughing spell. 
  • The person's face or lips may look blue from lack of oxygen. 
  • The cough is often worse at night. 
  • Between coughing spells, the person seems well, but the illness is exhausting over time. 
  • Coughing episodes gradually become less frequent but may continue for several weeks or months until the lungs heal. 

Anyone of any age can get pertussis 

  • Teenagers and adults account for more than half of reported cases. 
  • Cases in school-age children are increasing. 
  • Older children and adults usually have less severe illness, but they can still spread the disease to infants and young children. 

Pertu​​ssis testing 

Doctors and health care providers can test for pertussis. There are two ways to test for pertussis. One way is to have your nose swabbed. Another way is to do a blood test. Blood tests are common if you've been coughing for multiple weeks. Your doctor or health care provider will provide the best test for you. 

Depending on the test, results can be available in as soon as a couple hours – or can take about a week. 

Pertu​ssis vaccines 

There are two pertussis vaccines: DTaP and Tdap. Both vaccines are given in combination with tetanus and diphtheria. Your age determines which vaccine you should receive and how many doses you need. Talk to your health care provider to find out more.  

Pregnant women should get Tdap during the third trimester of each pregnancy. This helps protect the baby until the baby can receive the vaccine. If Tdap wasn't given during pregnancy, the new mother should get Tdap right after delivery.  

If someone has had pertussis, they should still get the pertussis vaccine. 

Timing of vaccine: Pertussis vaccines for children and adults wear off over time. People should get boosters throughout their life to remain protected. Ask your health care provider for Tdap at your next visit.

People who have completed some or all the recommended vaccinations for pertussis may still get pertussis disease but will generally have a milder illness. 

More informa​​tion about pertussis

If you want to learn more about pertussis, visit these online resources: 


Last updated: 6/24/2025 3:51 PM