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Incubation. Pertussis symptoms usually develop within 5 to 10 days after exposure, but sometimes not for as long as 21 days.
CDC tracks pertussis cases through a national system and enhanced surveillance activities. Several test methods can be used to diagnose pertussis. CDC has a laboratory focused on innovative research related to pertussis and diphtheria. Pertussis remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths worldwide.
Healthcare providers often overlook pertussis in the differential diagnosis of cough illness in adolescents and adults. Illness is generally less severe, and the typical "whoop" less frequently seen in these populations.
Key points. Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious.
Early symptoms of pertussis (whooping cough) can look like a common cold. Whooping cough is known for the "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after a coughing fit. Babies and young children may not cough but may have difficulty breathing instead.
The clinical course of pertussis infection has 3 stages: catarrhal, paroxysmal, and convalescent. Stage One, the catarrhal stage (the first 1-2 weeks of infection), is characterized by symptoms such as runny nose, low-grade fever, and mild coughing.
People with whooping cough are most contagious in the first two weeks after the cough begins. Treating whooping cough early with antibiotics may make the infection less serious. It can also help prevent spreading whooping cough to family, friends, and co-workers.
Incubation period 7 through 10 days (range, 4 through 21 days) Catarrhal stage: Insidious onset, similar to the common cold 1-2 weeks Paroxysmal stage: More severe cough and may experience paroxysms of numerous, rapid coughs 1-6 weeks . Convalescence stage: Gradual recovery Clinical Features
Whooping Cough Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, can cause serious illness in people of all ages but is most dangerous for babies. View All
Healthcare providers generally treat whooping cough with antibiotics. There are several antibiotics available for treatment. It's very important to treat whooping cough early, before coughing fits begin. Treating whooping cough early can. Make the illness less serious.