Pasadena Confirms Six Whooping Cough Cases at Sequoyah High School (Photo – sequoyahschool)
The Pasadena Public Health Department is investigating an outbreak of six confirmed cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, at Sequoyah School – High School Campus. Health officials said the outbreak marks the third outbreak connected to a local school since late April.
By News Desk
Public health officials report that Pasadena is experiencing significantly elevated pertussis activity throughout the community. While the city typically averages about three cases per year, officials have already confirmed 17 cases since the start of 2026.
“Pertussis is a serious and highly contagious illness,” said Manuel Carmona. “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.”
According to health officials, pertussis spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms generally appear between five and 21 days after exposure. Early symptoms often resemble a common cold and can include sneezing, a runny nose, mild cough, and low-grade fever. However, the illness can progress into severe coughing fits over one to two weeks.
Severe cases may involve gasping or a “whooping” sound while breathing, vomiting after coughing, or difficulty breathing. Infants may not develop a cough but can gag, turn red or blue, or briefly stop breathing. Officials noted that a nasal swab PCR test is used to confirm infection.
“Timely testing and treatment is essential for stopping the spread of pertussis,” said Dr. Parveen Kaur. “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.”
The Pasadena Public Health Department said it is continuing to work closely with schools and community partners to monitor for additional cases. Officials stated that all identified close contacts have received guidance regarding testing, treatment, and staying home if symptoms develop.
Health officials advise anyone exposed to pertussis to monitor for symptoms for 21 days, particularly in children, and to watch for worsening coughs or breathing difficulties. Residents are urged to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear and to keep sick individuals home until they are cleared by a medical provider or have completed five days of appropriate antibiotics. Officials identified azithromycin as the recommended first-line treatment.
The department also warned that sick individuals should avoid contact with infants and pregnant people. High-risk contacts — including infants under one year old, pregnant people, and caregivers of infants — may require preventive antibiotics even if they do not show symptoms.
Officials emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness. Parents are encouraged to ensure children are up to date on the DTaP vaccine and that children ages 11 or 12 have received the Tdap booster. Adults, especially pregnant people and caregivers of young children, are also advised to confirm they have received a Tdap booster.
The Pasadena Public Health Department currently offers Tdap vaccinations on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 am to 11:30 am and 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm through appointments and walk-ins. Most private health insurance plans cover DTaP and Tdap vaccines.
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