Bordetella Pertussis Epidemiology Program

Helpful facts about pertussis (whooping cough).

Pertussis Tos Ferina

This flyer features helpful information about pertussis (whooping cough) for everybody.

This flyer features helpful information about pertussis (whooping cough) for grandparents.

La Tos Ferina Folleto La Información es Para los Abuelos

This flyer features helpful information about pertussis (whooping cough) for parents.

La Tos Ferina Folleto La Información es Para los Padres

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is an acute infectious disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Outbreaks of pertussis were first described in the 16th century, and the organism was first isolated in 1906. In the 20th century, pertussis was one of the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of childhood mortality in the United States.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a communicable respiratory disease which can cause severe illness, complications and even death, particularly in infants. Neither infection nor vaccination confer lifelong immunity. Adolescents and adults with mild or atypical disease can transmit pertussis to infants, young children, and other susceptible persons.

Letter from New Mexico Department of Health about Pertussis for childcare providers.

Letter from New Mexico Department of Health about Pertussis for foster parents.

With the continuing resurgence of pertussis, health care professionals will see more patients with suspected pertussis. Polymerase Chain Reaction is an important tool for timely diagnosis of pertussis and is increasingly available to clinicians. This molecular technique is used to detect DNA sequences of the Bordetella pertussis bacterium and unlike culture, does not require live bacteria present in the specimen.

Overview slide show of Pertussis in New Mexico.

This poster explains the importance of vaccination to protect against whooping cough (pertussis).

La Tos Ferina Vacunar Para la Protección del Cartel