[Current situation and research progress on severe pertussis and death in infants and young children].

Pertussis remains a global public health concern, with infants and young children representing the high-risk population for severe illness and death. In many countries, reported incidence levels of pertussis have rebounded, and passive surveillance systems often underreport severe cases and fatalities. Risk factors for severe pertussis include young age, comorbidities, and unvaccinated status, whereas elevated white blood cell count and pulmonary artery hypertension increase the risk of death among severe cases. Therefore, severe pertussis and related deaths in infants and young children warrant heightened attention. This article reviews the current situation of severe and fatal pertussis cases in infants and young children both domestically and internationally, as well as its pathogenesis and risk factors, aiming to provide references for healthcare professionals and decision-makers in China.