- Similar to pertussis or whooping cough, but is not as common and causes less severe symptoms. (See Pertussis fact sheet)
- Bacterial infection affecting the mouth, nose and throat.
- Spread through the air in droplets produced during coughing and sneezing.
- Treated with antibiotics.
- A person can be infected with parapertussis and pertussis at the same time.
- Approximately 40% of persons infected with parapertussis do not have symptoms.
- Persons in all age groups can get it, though it occurs most frequently among children less than 10 years of age.
- All infants less than 6 months of age should receive antibiotics as a preventive measure if they have been in contact with a person with parapertussis.
- Pertussis containing vaccines do not provide protection against parapertussis.
- There is no vaccine for parapertussis.
Protect yourself and others by following these healthy actions:
- Cover your nose when sneezing OR sneeze into your elbow
- Cover your mouth when coughing OR cough into your elbow
- Wash your hands after sneezing and coughing
- Stay home when ill
Updated March 17, 2023
Reviewed March 17, 2023
