(HealthDay News) -- Pertussis, commonly called "whooping cough," is a bacterial infection with symptoms that are similar to those of a common cold. In children, bouts of coughing often end with a "whoop" sound.

In young children, coughing spells can lead to dangerous symptoms of vomiting, choking and even unconsciousness.

The University of Maryland Medical Center says other common signs of pertussis in children may include:

• Symptoms of the common cold, which tend to start about a week after the child is exposed to the bacteria.
• Severe coughing fits, which begin about 10 to 12 days after initial symptoms.
• Diarrhea.
• Low fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
• A runny nose.