The first pertussis description was presented in Europe in the 16th century and was connected with severe infection in infants, which was characterised by paroxysmal cough episodes and sudden death. During subsequent centuries, pertussis frightened people, but motivated them to fight and look for methods of protection. During the interwar period laboratory tests of preventive vaccinations were started. In the 1960s they were introduced in Poland and reduced morbidity. Actually, Bordetella pertussis infection spread dynamically, and knowledge about actual therapy and pre- and post-exposure prevention is essential.