Overview 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that affects the respiratory tract. The illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) bacteria, for which humans are the only known natural reservoir.verview 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Pertussis is a highly communicable, vaccine-preventable disease that affects the respiratory tract. The illness is caused by Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) bacteria, for which humans are the only known natural reservoir.
Often, cramps. 1  a sudden, involuntary, spasmodic contraction of a muscle or group of muscles, especially of the extremities, sometimes with severe pain. 2  a piercing pain in the abdomen.
1. twitching-a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition. twitch, vellication. cramp, muscle spasm, spasm-a painful and involuntary muscular contraction.tic-a local and habitual twitching especially in the face.oun. 1. twitching-a sudden muscle spasm; especially one caused by a nervous condition. twitch, vellication. cramp, muscle spasm, spasm-a painful and involuntary muscular contraction. tic-a local and habitual twitching especially in the face. blepharism-condition in which a person blinks continuously.