Contagious Period for Whooping Cough

The contagious period for whooping cough may last as long as a person experiences symptoms; however, infected people are most likely to transmit the bacteria that cause the illness during the first three weeks of symptoms. During the first week or so of the contagious period for whooping cough, symptoms of the illness are similar to those seen with the common cold -- infected people at this stage may not know they have whooping cough. Parents can help protect their very young infants by minimizing close contact with people of any age who have cold symptoms or cough illness.

Whooping Cough Disease

Contagious Period for Whooping Cough: An Overview

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious infection. A person is most likely to transmit the whooping cough bacteria when he or she is experiencing symptoms, especially during the first three weeks of whooping cough symptoms.

Suggestions for Preventing Transmission of Whooping Cough

Because the first symptoms of whooping cough (which typically develop during the first week or so of the illness) are similar to the common cold, parents can help protect their very young infants by minimizing their exposure to people who have cold symptoms or cough illness. Coughing people of any age -- including parents, siblings, and grandparents -- can have whooping cough. When a person has cold symptoms or cough illness, they need to stay away from young infants as much as possible.

When Do Whooping Cough Symptoms Appear?

The whooping cough incubation period is the time between becoming infected with whooping cough bacteria (Bordetella pertussis) and developing symptoms. The incubation period is commonly 7 to 10 days, but it can range from 4 to 21 days and, in rare cases, may be as long as 42 days.