Pasadena Health Officials Investigate Whooping Cough Outbreak at Local School
The Pasadena Public Health Department has confirmed four cases of whooping cough at Don Benito Fundamental School and is now working with the school district to monitor for additional cases.
What to Know About the Outbreak
The Pasadena Public Health Department is collaborating with the Pasadena Unified School District to track and contain a whooping cough outbreak. Four cases have been confirmed at Don Benito Fundamental School, and officials are actively monitoring for more.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs mimic a common cold—sneezing, runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever—but the cough typically worsens over 1 to 2 weeks.
Severe coughing fits may produce a distinctive "whooping" sound or lead to vomiting after coughing.
What to Do if You've Been Exposed
- Monitor for symptoms for 21 days.
- Watch for worsening cough or breathing difficulties.
- Contact a healthcare provider immediately if symptoms develop.
- Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a doctor.
High-risk individuals—including infants, caregivers of infants, and pregnant women—may need preventive antibiotics even if they have no symptoms.
Prevention Is Key
Health officials urge families to stay up to date on vaccinations and to keep sick children home to prevent further spread.