Whooping Cough 2025r. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is an infection caused by the bacterium bordetella pertussis, according to the centers for disease control and prevention (cdc). Pertussis is a human disease and no animal or insect.

Pertussis (whooping cough) is common in the united states, with frequent outbreaks. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness.