The disease commonly known as whooping cough is called which?

The disease commonly known as whooping cough is called which?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Pertussis
• C. Diphtheria
• D. Measles

Answer: (B)

Pertussis is the medical name for the disease commonly known as whooping cough. It’s caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets. The term pertussis comes from Latin for a harsh cough, reflecting the distinctive, repetitive coughing fits that can end with a characteristic whoop as the patient inhales. Clinically, it often begins like a common cold, then advances to paroxysmal coughing spells that can be severe, particularly in children, and may lead to vomiting, fatigue, or breathing pauses in infants. Vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine provides protection, and if treated early with a macrolide antibiotic, transmission can be reduced. The other diseases listed—tuberculosis, diphtheria, and measles—are caused by different pathogens and have distinct clinical pictures, so the term pertussis uniquely matches whooping cough.

Pertussis is the medical name for the disease commonly known as whooping cough. It’s caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis and is highly contagious, spreading through respiratory droplets. The term pertussis comes from Latin for a harsh cough, reflecting the distinctive, repetitive coughing fits that can end with a characteristic whoop as the patient inhales. Clinically, it often begins like a common cold, then advances to paroxysmal coughing spells that can be severe, particularly in children, and may lead to vomiting, fatigue, or breathing pauses in infants. Vaccination with the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine provides protection, and if treated early with a macrolide antibiotic, transmission can be reduced. The other diseases listed—tuberculosis, diphtheria, and measles—are caused by different pathogens and have distinct clinical pictures, so the term pertussis uniquely matches whooping cough.