The median WCC was 13.8 (IQR 9.8–16.3) × 103 cells/mL in children without confirmed B pertussis compared to 13.8 (10.4–17.0) × 103 cells/mL in those with confirmed infection; P = 0.421, while children without confirmed B. pertussis had median C-reactive protein levels of 11.3 (IQR 2.7–31.5) mg/L compared to 8.4 (IQR 2–37) mg/L in those with confirmed infection; P = 0.5704. The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is infection.