Whooping cough outbreak: Pasadena health officials confirm 4 cases at Don Benito Fundamental School

PASADENA, Calif. () — Pasadena health officials are investigating a whooping cough outbreak after four cases were confirmed at a school.

The cases were found at Don Benito Fundamental School. The Pasadena Public Health Department says it is working with the Pasadena Unified School School District to monitor for additional cases.

Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 50 to 21 after exposure, officials say.

Early symptoms resemble a cold, such as sneezing, running nose, mild cough and a low-grade fever, but the cough typically worsens over 1-2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may create that gasping or “whooping” sound and vomiting.

Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been exposed:

– Monitor for symptoms for 21 days
– Watch for worsening cough or breathing difficulties
– Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop
– Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a doctor

If you are considered at high risk – infants, caregivers of infants or pregnant women – you may need preventive antibiotics even without symptoms showing up.

Officials are urging families to stay up to date on vaccinations and keep sick children home.