Final answer:
Whooping cough, or pertussis, is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacteria. It is highly contagious and characterized by severe coughing episodes. Treatment involves erythromycin and treating family members and daycare peers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. It is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted through droplets. The disease is characterized by severe coughing episodes, sometimes followed by a 'whooping' sound. To treat whooping cough, erythromycin is commonly prescribed for a duration of 14 days. It is also important to treat family members and daycare peers to prevent further transmission.