The first symptoms of whooping cough most often appear 7-10 days (but may take up to 3 weeks to appear) after the bacteria enter the body. They last between one to two weeks:

• A runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing
• Red and watery eyes
• Fever (mild or not present)
• A dry cough
• Sore throat

Symptoms may then worsen, causing strong and prolonged coughing fits.

This cough can then cause:

• Thick mucus
• Vomitings
• Redness in the face
• Great fatigue
• A high-pitched whistling sound when the patient catches his breath after a fit of coughing (this is called the rooster crowing) although it is not automatic. Infants do not show rooster crow.