About Diphtheria, Tetanus & Pertussis
Pertussis
- Pertussis is a highly contagious disease characterized by severe coughing.
- Pertussis can cause coughing that makes it hard for a child to eat, drink, or breathe.
- Often, infants with pertussis need hospital care.
- Pertussis is spread by coughing and sneezing.
- Pertussis can cause pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death.
Diphtheria
- Diphtheria is an acute bacterial disease characterized by sore throat.
- Diphtheria occurs where people live in crowded conditions and are unimmunized.
- Unimmunized children under 5 years of age are likely to contract diphtheria.
- Diphtheria is spread by coughing and sneezing.
- Diphtheria can cause breathing and heart problems, and even death.
Tetanus
- Tetanus can occur when a tetanus germ enters any break in the skin.
- Tetanus can cause muscle spasms, breathing problems, and death.
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