Pertussis (whooping cough) is a vaccine-preventable bacterial infectious disease. Nevertheless, serious cases continue to be reported every year in the paediatric population. Pertussis poses a danger mainly to unimmunized or partially immunized infants under six months of age. It is still considered as a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this article is to present, through a clinical situation, the strategies for the prevention of pertussis and the correct management in case of suspicion of this disease. Through answers to questions we review the basics which every general practitioner should know.