According to the CDC, Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory disease. It is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis is known for uncontrollable, violent coughing which often makes it hard to breathe.
Pertussis can affect people of all ages but can be very serious, even deadly, for babies less than a year old.
Vaccines for this disease are safe and effective, but some do not choose to get themselves or their children vaccinated. The map below shows where and when Pertussis has flared in California in recent years.