Whooping cough is caused by a bacteria, Bordetella pertussis, which can spread from person to person through the air via droplets of saliva, according to the DHS. It can be spread by a sick person coughing or sneezing, or by spending time near an infected person.

“We’re seeing common pre-pandemic illnesses return with a bit of a vengeance,” said Dr. Michael Koster, of Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence Whooping cough, the contagious bacterial respiratory illness that poses significant health risks for ...