A child coughing (Photo –
anjanettew)
The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has confirmed one case of whooping cough (Pertussis) in a local resident, prompting a public health advisory for potential exposure at a popular children’s venue.
By News Desk
According to PPHD, the individual with confirmed Pertussis visited the Kidspace Children’s Museum (480 N. Arroyo Blvd.) on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 (date updated from a previous release), between 1:30 pm and 5:00 pm. Visitors who were at the museum during that time are advised to monitor for symptoms of whooping cough for up to 21 days after exposure.
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads through coughing or close contact. Symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and often begin like a common cold, with sneezing, runny nose, and a mild cough, followed by severe coughing fits that may include gasping (“whooping”), vomiting, or difficulty breathing. Infants may experience more serious complications and may not exhibit a cough, but instead show signs such as gagging, turning red or blue, or stopping breathing.
Those potentially exposed should:
- Watch for symptoms, especially in young children and infants.
- Seek medical advice if persistent coughing or cold symptoms develop.
- Keep anyone who is sick at home until cleared by a doctor or after five days of appropriate antibiotics.
- Avoid contact between sick individuals and babies or pregnant women.
- Consult with a healthcare provider if in a high-risk group (infants under one, pregnant women, or caregivers of infants), even if no symptoms are present.
All details of the case are confidential, and neither PPHD nor the facility will release personal information about the affected individual. Concerned residents may contact PPHD at (626) 744-6089 with any questions.
PPHD stresses that vaccination remains the best protection against whooping cough. Children should stay current with the DTaP vaccine, and preteens, adults, and caregivers should receive a Tdap booster as needed. PPHD offers DTaP/Tdap vaccinations on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment or walk-in from 8:30–11:30 a.m. and 1:30–4:30 p.m. Most private insurance plans cover the vaccine, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program is available for families in need.
For more information on vaccines and services, residents are encouraged to visit the Pasadena Public Health Department website or speak with their healthcare provider.
[This article has been updated to correct the date the individual visited Kidspace.]
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