Given Joe M’s history and physical examination, he has a probable case of pertussis, commonly referred to as whooping cough. Caused by Bordetella pertussis (gram-negative), Pertussis affects all ages and is very contagious (CDC, 2015). Transmission is made possible by direct droplet contact or inhalation of droplets. B pertussis damages the epithelial layer of the respiratory tract. Clinical findings include a distinctive dry barking cough, conjunctival hemorrhage, syncope, difficulty sleeping and symptoms of pneumonia. Further, there is an asymptomatic incubation stage that typically lasts 7 to 10 days. The paroxysmal stage occurs 10 to 14 days post onset of symptoms. Joe’s reddened conjunctivas are probably a result of forceful coughing.
