This gentleman (not pictured in the photo) graciously allowed himself to be videotaped in the midst of a severe whooping cough episode caused by Bordetella pertussis; the video is posted on the New England Journal's website. He had not been vaccinated: vaccination during childhood greatly reduces the risk of severe or life-threatening pertussis infection, and reduces cough (typically eliminating any "whooping") if infection does occur. However, immunity after pertussis vaccination wanes throughout life; pertussis infection during adulthood in previously immunized people is common, usually undiagnosed, and an under-recognized public health problem.