What is whooping cough? Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium infecting the lining of the airways. The result is swelling and production of a thick mucous, making breathing difficult and triggering coughing spasms. Complications can include pneumonia, brain damage and death. The incubation period is … Continue reading Whooping Cough – the facts