What organism causes whooping cough?

Bordetella pertussis is a bacterium, not a virus. It attaches to the lining of the breathing tubes and can leave the airways sensitive, which helps explain why coughing may continue after the first cold-like symptoms. The bacteria pass through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close face-to-face contact. Whooping cough may present as a prolonged cough in adults, while babies can show feeding difficulty or pauses in breathing instead of a typical whoop.

A clinician can decide whether symptoms and exposure justify testing or antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics target bacteria and may be used to reduce transmission in appropriate situations; they are not the same as medicines used for viral colds. Tell the clinician about close contacts, particularly infants, pregnant people, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Keeping immunisations up to date is an important part of protection against this infection.

Seek urgent medical help for breathing difficulty, a breathing pause, blue or grey lips or skin, loss of consciousness, severe weakness, or signs of dehydration. Obtain urgent assessment for an infant with coughing, poor feeding, or any change in breathing. These warning signs are driven by how the person is breathing and drinking, not by knowing which organism caused the cough.

Ask whether the illness could be caused by Bordetella pertussis, what test may be appropriate, and whether people in the household need evaluation. Ask about vaccination history and the practical steps to limit exposure while waiting for advice.