Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, gets its name from the distinctive sound of the cough that characterizes the bacterial infection. 
Whooping cough is on the rise in the U.S., with 25 thousand cases
reported in 2004, compared to only 1 thousand cases in the mid-70’s.
 
We have not done a great job in the last 10 or 20 years immunizing
adults against pertussis.
 
Dr. Richard Stack is an infectious disease expert from Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael, California.  He says teens and adults are getting the infection and spreading it to children and infants.  Babies are particularly at risk, and can develop respiratory swelling that can lead to death.
Stack advises young people and adults, most of whom were probably immunized at a young age, to check in with their doctor about getting a booster shot.