Celebrities with Pertussis

Pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a "whooping" sound when the person tries to breathe in. While pertussis can affect anyone, it can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.

Like any other illness, pertussis can affect people from all walks of life, including celebrities. Here are a few notable figures who have publicly shared their experiences with pertussis:

Catherine Zeta-Jones:

Catherine Zeta-Jones, the renowned Welsh actress, revealed in 2011 that she had contracted pertussis. She spoke about her battle with the illness during an interview, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and raising awareness about the disease. Zeta-Jones highlighted that even adults can contract pertussis and encouraged others to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting vaccinated.

Tom Hanks:

In 2016, beloved actor Tom Hanks announced on a talk show that he had been diagnosed with pertussis. He shared his experience, describing the persistent coughing fits and the challenges he faced while trying to recover. Hanks used his platform to stress the significance of vaccination, particularly for adults who may unknowingly transmit the infection to vulnerable individuals, such as infants.

Christy Turlington Burns:

Christy Turlington Burns, the supermodel and founder of the organization Every Mother Counts, contracted pertussis in 2010. She openly discussed her illness and the impact it had on her daily life. Turlington Burns used her platform to advocate for increased access to healthcare and vaccinations, particularly for pregnant women and new mothers, who can pass on immunity to their babies.

Chris Christie:

Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, revealed in 2011 that he had contracted pertussis. He shared his experience during a press conference, urging people to take the illness seriously and get vaccinated. Christie emphasized that pertussis is not just a childhood disease and that adults should be proactive in protecting themselves and those around them.

Olivia Wilde:

Actress Olivia Wilde contracted pertussis in 2013 and took to social media to share her journey with the illness. She posted updates about her symptoms, recovery process, and the importance of vaccination. Wilde used her platform to raise awareness about pertussis and encourage her followers to stay informed and protected.

These celebrities, among others, have experienced the challenges and consequences of pertussis firsthand. Their willingness to share their stories and advocate for vaccination has helped raise awareness about the disease and its prevention. Pertussis is a serious illness that can have severe consequences, especially for vulnerable populations. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect oneself and prevent the spread of this highly contagious infection.