Parapertussis

• Similar to pertussis or whooping cough, but is not as common and causes less severe symptoms. (See Pertussis fact sheet)
• Bacterial infection affecting the mouth, nose and throat.
• Spread through the air in droplets produced during coughing and sneezing.
• Treated with antibiotics.
• A person can be infected with parapertussis and pertussis at the same time.
• Approximately 40% of persons infected with parapertussis do not have symptoms.
• Persons in all age groups can get it, though it occurs most frequently among children less than 10 years of age.
• All infants less than 6 months of age should receive antibiotics as a preventive measure if they have been in contact with a person with parapertussis.
• Pertussis containing vaccines do not provide protection against parapertussis.
• There is no vaccine for parapertussis.

Protect yourself and others by following these healthy actions:

• Cover your nose when sneezing OR sneeze into your elbow
• Cover your mouth when coughing OR cough into your elbow
• Wash your hands after sneezing and coughing
• Stay home when ill
• Get vaccinated!

Updated Apr. 09, 2012
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2012