The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that spreads through tiny germ-laden droplets sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
The bacterium Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. It is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection that spreads through tiny germ-laden droplets sprayed into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on the symptoms and a physical examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a laboratory test of a mucus sample from the back of the throat or nose. A blood test may also be done to check for the presence of tRead more
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider based on the symptoms and a physical examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed by a laboratory test of a mucus sample from the back of the throat or nose. A blood test may also be done to check for the presence of the bacteria causing whooping cough.
Diagnosing whooping cough in its early stages can be difficult because the signs and symptoms resemble those of other common respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, the flu or bronchitis. Sometimes, doctors can diagnose whooping cough simply by asking about symptoms and listening to the cough.
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