Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. After the initial exposure, the incubation period for whooping cough can range from 7 to 10 days, with the individual becoming contagious during the early stages of illness, even before displaying any symptoms.

During the course of whooping cough, individuals experience a severe cough that is characterized by violent spasms and the characteristic whooping sound. The coughing episodes may last for weeks or even months. In fact, whooping cough can be contagious for up to 3 weeks after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment, making it a highly infectious disease. This is why it is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness, particularly in those individuals who are in close contact with infants and young children.

After a person has been diagnosed with whooping cough, they should be isolated from other individuals to prevent the spread of the illness. In addition to isolation, the person should be prescribed an appropriate antibiotic treatment to help alleviate the symptoms of whooping cough and to eliminate the bacteria that is causing the illness. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics for whooping cough include erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin. However, it is essential that the antibiotic is taken as prescribed, as not following the recommended dosage or frequency may result in an ineffective treatment or the development of drug resistance.

After starting antibiotic treatment, it can take approximately 5 to 7 days before an individual with whooping cough becomes non-contagious. This is because the bacteria causing the illness must be eliminated from the respiratory tract before it is no longer transmissible. It is important to note that, even after treatment has commenced, it is still possible for the individual to transmit the disease to others, as it may take some time for the bacteria to be cleared from the respiratory tract.

In summary, whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. After exposure, an individual may be contagious before displaying any symptoms. Once a person has been diagnosed with whooping cough and prescribed appropriate antibiotic treatment, it can take around 5 to 7 days for them to become non-contagious. It is essential to take precautions to prevent the spread of whooping cough and follow the prescribed treatment plan to ensure that the bacteria causing the illness are eliminated and the individual becomes non-contagious.