Introduction: Whooping cough, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is an acute respiratory disease, transmissible, and important cause of death in childhood. This bacterium enters on the human body by the upper airway, and settles on mucosa of the respiratory tract (trachea and bronchi) causing ciliary paralysis and local necrosis. These complications caused increased mucus secretion resulting in clinical signs lasting between 1 and 6 weeks: paroxysmal cough, cyanosis, apnea, tongue protrusion, vomiting after coughing, and among others. Its diagnosis is made in the acute phase and treatment is medication. Hospitalization is necessary, especially for children younger than 1 year. The most common complications are pneumonia, encephalitis, and malnutrition.