Pasadena Public Health Department Confirms Three Whooping Cough Cases at Blair Middle School

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) is investigating an outbreak of three confirmed cases of whooping cough (pertussis) at Blair Middle School.

PPHD is continuing to collaborate closely with the Pasadena Unified School District 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.

Pasadena is experiencing elevated pertussis activity across the community. On average, Pasadena reports about 3 cases per year but 11 confirmed cases have already been identified since the start of 2026. PPHD urges residents to ensure they are up to date on pertussis vaccines, consult their health care provider if they develop a persistent cough or respiratory illness, and stay home when sick to help prevent further spread. Parents and caregivers should keep symptomatic children at home and contact their primary care provider for testing and treatment.

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.

"We urge parents to be vigilant for changes in their child's health. Abnormal coughs and other symptoms consistent with pertussis should be evaluated by their physician. Pertussis is deadly for high-risk groups. In addition to vaccination, proper testing and treatment is a vital measure to protect our families and community members", said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Health Officer.

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.

Testing and early treatment with antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough. Vaccination significantly decreases the likelihood of infection, severe illness and further complications and 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 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.

Clinicians who suspect pertussis should follow the proper treatment guidelines AND conduct the proper confirmatory testing which is a nasal swab sent for a PCR test. Children who are suspected with pertussis should not be allowed to return to school until they have met recommended clearance criteria. 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.