Whooping Cough Causes & Risks

Causes

Whooping cough is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis . It is spread by:

Inhaling droplets from the sneeze or cough of a person infected with whooping cough
Having direct contact with the respiratory secretions of a person infected with whooping cough

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

Age: late infancy and early childhood
Not being immunized
Living in the same house or working in close contact with someone infected with whooping cough
Living in close quarters (such as a dormitory or nursing home)
Living in crowded, unsanitary conditions
Pregnancy

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