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What is the mortality rate for people who contract whooping cough?

Laci Easthope

Hey there! Thanks for asking about the mortality rate for people who contract whooping cough. It's a great question, and one that has a complex answer.

First off, let me explain what whooping cough is. It's actually a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. The symptoms start out similar to a cold, but can progress to include severe coughing fits that are characterized by a "whooping" sound when trying to inhale.

The good news is that whooping cough is usually not fatal. In fact, most healthy adults and children who contract the infection will recover just fine without any complications. However, there are groups of people who are at higher risk for severe illness and even death from whooping cough.

These higher-risk groups include infants under 6 months of age, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. For these populations, whooping cough can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. In infants, the disease can lead to severe respiratory distress and even brain damage. In pregnant women, it can cause complications with the pregnancy and put the mother and baby at risk.

So, what is the mortality rate for people who contract whooping cough? Unfortunately, the answer is not straightforward. Mortality rates vary depending on the population being studied and the severity of the illness. In general, the mortality rate for whooping cough is estimated to be less than 1%. However, this can be much higher in certain populations, such as infants.

The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from whooping cough is to get vaccinated. The pertussis vaccine is safe and effective, and is recommended for all infants and children, as well as adults who are in close contact with infants. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself, but also the people around you who may be at higher risk for complications from whooping cough.

I hope this helps answer your question about the mortality rate for whooping cough. Stay safe and healthy!