Pasadena Public Health Confirms One Case of Whooping Cough in Resident

PASADENA, Calif. - Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has received confirmation of one case of whooping cough (Pertussis) in a Pasadena resident.

WHAT: On Tuesday, April 29, 2025 , the Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed one case of whooping cough (Pertussis) in a Pasadena resident. Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs resemble a cold (sneezing, runny nose, mild cough), and usually a low-grade fever (less than 100.4 degree s F ahrenheit ) but the cough becomes more severe over 1 to 2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may cause gasping ("whooping"), vomiting, or trouble breathing. Infants may not cough but turn red or blue, gag, or stop breathing. A nasal swab is the best way to confirm diagnosis.

WHERE: Th e resident with whooping cough went to the following location on this date/time:

Location: Kidspace Children's Museum (480 N. Arroyo Blvd.)

Date: Friday, April 25, 2025

Time: 1:30 p . m . to 5 p.m.

WHO IS IMPACTED : If you were at Kidspace Children's Museum during this time frame, you and your family should:

• Monitor for symptoms in your household, especially in children , for up to 21 days.

• Be alert to increasing cough ing severity or breathing issues, especially in young children or infants .

• Contact your healthcare provider if anyone develops a persistent cough or cold symptoms.

• Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a doctor or after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

• Avoid contact between sick individuals and babies or pregnant women.

• High-risk contacts (infants under the age of one , pregnant women, or caregivers of infants) may need preventive antibiotics even if they are not showing symptoms.

Note that all information regarding this public health investigation is confidential to protect all patients' privacy. The facility and PPHD cannot release the name(s) of any ill person(s). If you or your doctor have any questions, contact PPHD at (626) 744-6089.

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF : Testing and early treatment with antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough . Vaccination is the best defense. Check that children are up to date on their Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis ( DTaP ) vaccine and children ages 11 or 12 yrs have received their Tetanus, Dipht h eria, and Pertussis (Tdap) booster . Adult s, especially pregnant women and caregivers of young children , should also ensure that they have received a Tdap booster.

PPHD offers the DTaP/ TdaP vaccine Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. by appointment and walk-ins. Most private health insurance plans cover the DTaP/Tdap vaccines. For more information, view the list of vaccines .

Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.