(HealthDay News) -- Whooping cough is an infection of the respiratory system caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, the Nemours Foundation says.
The highly contagious infection, typically affecting children. can trigger coughing spells that can last more than a minute.
The child's face may turn red or purple, and the child may vomit, Nemours adds.
Nemours offers this additional information about whooping cough:
Robitussin Honey Cough Syrup Recalled Due to Fungal Threat
Antibiotics Probably Won't Ease Your Cough, Even If Infection is Bacterial: Study
Neosporin Ointment in the Nose Might Be Potent Antibiotic
FDA Proposes Ban on a 'Useless' Decongestant, Phenylephrine
Feed a Cold and a Fever, Experts Say