This year, 13 people have died! Why is whooping cough so common?. The disease has a long course, and a typical case may manifest as a cough that lasts for 2-3 months.
Infected persons are the main source of infection. The younger the child, the higher the risk of complications and severe illness, which may even lead to death. In countries where the vaccine is widely available, more and more cases of pertussis are being detected in older children and adults.