PsychologyAugust 10, 2026

pertussis

per-TUSS-iss

Definition

A highly contagious respiratory disease commonly known as whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis.

Etymology

The word comes from New Latin, formed from the prefix 'per-' meaning 'thoroughly' and the Latin 'tussis' meaning 'cough'. It was coined in the 17th century to describe the severe, violent coughing fits characteristic of the disease.

In the news

The article lists pertussis as one of the childhood illnesses for which the current vaccine schedule recommends vaccination for all children. It highlights the importance of this immunization within standard pediatric care.

Trump issues executive order aimed at rewriting childhood vaccine schedule

Read the full article ↗

Scientific American

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