Pasadena Public Health Department Confirms Six Whooping Cough Cases at Sequoyah School - High School Campus

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is investigating an outbreak of six confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) at Sequoyah School - High School Campus. The outbreak is the third at a local school since late April.

Pasadena is experiencing elevated pertussis activity across the community. On average, Pasadena reports about 3 cases per year but has already identified 17 confirmed cases since the start of 2026.

"Pertussis is a serious and highly contagious illness," said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. "Staying home when sick is the key to stopping the spread of this preventable illness in our community. Parents should be on the alert for persistent or unusual coughs and seek medical care promptly if symptoms arise."

"Timely testing and treatment is essential for stopping the spread of pertussis," said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer. "Healthcare providers who suspect pertussis should conduct confirmatory testing using a nasal swab for a PCR test and follow proper treatment guidelines. Children who are suspected with pertussis should not be allowed to return to school until they have met recommended clearance criteria."

PPHD is continuing to collaborate closely with schools and community partners to monitor for additional cases. All identified close contacts have received guidance, including instructions on testing, treatment, and staying home if symptoms develop.

Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms resemble a cold (e.g. sneezing, runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever) but the cough typically worsens over 1 to 2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may cause gasping ("whooping"), vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Infants may not cough but may gag, turn red or blue, or briefly stop breathing. A nasal swab is used to confirm infection.

If you or your family have been exposed to pertussis:

• Monitor for symptoms for 21 days, especially in children.
• Watch for worsening cough or breathing difficulties.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop.
• Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a provider or after 5 days of appropriate antibiotics. A 5-day course of azithromycin is the appropriate first-line choice for treatment.
• Prevent contact between sick individuals and infants or pregnant people.
• High-risk contacts, including infants under 1-year, pregnant people, and caregivers of infants, may need preventive antibiotics even without symptoms.

Staying up to date on vaccines is the best way to significantly decrease the likelihood of infection, severe illness and further complications. Check that children are up to date on their Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine and children ages 11 or 12 years have received their Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) booster. Adults, especially pregnant people and caregivers of young children, should also ensure that they have received a Tdap booster.

For more information on testing and treatment, visit the California Department of Public Health's Pertussis website and refer to the "Clinical Guidance" section.

PPHD currently offers the 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.