Pertussis (noun)

1. A highly contagious bacterial infection of the respiratory system, caused by Bordetella pertussis, that is characterized by severe coughing spells and can be fatal, especially in infants and young children.
2. A disease caused by bacteria that causes severe coughing fits and can be fatal in infants and young children.

Origin:

From new latin pertussis, from latin pertusus "pierced through".

Examples:

1. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a serious disease that can affect people of all ages.
2. He was diagnosed with pertussis and had to stay in isolation for several weeks.
3. The pertussis outbreak in the school was contained by vaccination.
4. The disease, pertussis, can be prevented by vaccination.
5. Pertussis can cause severe coughing and difficulty breathing.