Whooping Cough: A Brief History to the 19th Century

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Historical records of whooping cough (pertussis) are complex due to changing names and symptom descriptions.
• Early-modern Europe viewed pertussis as a new, contagious, and potentially epidemic disease.
• The disease's perceived significance grew in the 18th century with increased incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the historical trajectory of whooping cough (pertussis).
• To analyze the period from its first mention to the identification of its microbial cause.
• To investigate the possibility of late medieval occurrences of pertussis.

Main Methods:

• Historical document analysis
• Nomenclature and symptom variation assessment
• Chronological review of disease incidence and perception

Main Results:

• Pertussis nomenclature and symptom presentation have varied historically.
• The disease was considered novel and dangerous in early-modern Europe.
• Incidence of pertussis significantly increased in the 18th century.

Conclusions:

• Pertussis may have existed in the late medieval period as isolated cases.
• Historical naming conventions complicate definitive disease identification.
• Understanding historical disease patterns is crucial for current public health.