Severe pertussis in an infant: A case report from Morocco

Abstract

Severe pertussis is the leading cause of mortality due to infectious diseases in infants under 2 months old. It is a rare condition with a severe prognosis and a mortality rate of around 70%. The majority of pertussis-related deaths are attributed to this clinical form. Despite therapeutic advancements, such as exchange transfusion, the prognosis remains extremely severe, highlighting the importance of preventive treatment. Indeed, vaccination has significantly reduced the prevalence of the disease. Here, we present a case of a 2-month-old infant admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit for respiratory and hemodynamic distress caused by severe pertussis.