Stages of Pertussis Infection24
| Duration | Characteristic Signs and Symptoms | |
|---|---|---|
| Incubation period | 7 to 10 days (range, 4 to 21 days) | — |
| Catarrhal stage | 7 to 14 days | Insidious onset of coryza, sneezing, and a mild, nonspecific cough that gradually becomes more severe |
| In infants: excessive sneezing or ‘throat clearing’ | ||
| Paroxysmal stage | 1 to 6 weeks (up to 10 weeks) | Bursts, or paroxysms, of numerous, rapid coughs followed by a long inspiratory effort often associated with a high-pitched whoop; post-tussive vomiting. |
| In infants: paroxysms of coughing, but may not have sufficient musculature to develop a whoop. In addition, they may experience gagging, gasping, or eye bulging, and occasionally bradycardia or cyanosis. | ||
| Convalescent stage | Weeks to months | Recovery gradual, with cough becoming less paroxysmal and then disappearing. Fever is generally minimal |