WHAT DOES WHOOPING COUGH SOUND LIKE? The Department of Health (DOH) emphasized the importance of understanding pertussis or "whooping cough" and taking preventive measures to curb its spread. DOH explained that pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial respiratory infection. It often shows up as mild symptoms similar to a regular cold including fever, runny nose, and coughing, usually appearing about a week to ten days after exposure. DOH said it could lead to severe complications, especially a