Whooping Cough Outbreak Prompts Health Warning in Pasadena
A resident of Pasadena has been diagnosed with whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory illness known to pose serious risks, especially for infants. The local public health department revealed the case following the individual’s visit to the Kidspace Children’s Museum last week.
Rising National Cases
As whooping cough cases continue to surge across the United States, more than 8,470 instances have been documented in 2025 alone—approximately double the reported cases for the same period in 2024, as indicated by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Health Advisory for Visitors
The Pasadena Public Health Department has issued a warning for anyone who visited Kidspace from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 25. They advise monitoring for symptoms such as:
- Runny nose
- Low-grade fever
- Difficulty breathing
Individuals exhibiting symptoms after their visit are encouraged to seek medical attention and reduce contact with infants and pregnant women, as infections can be confirmed via nasal swab.
Protecting High-Risk Groups
Health officials highlighted that high-risk individuals, such as infants under one year old and pregnant women, may require preventive antibiotics, even if they are asymptomatic.
Understanding Whooping Cough
Whooping cough, caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, primarily affects the upper respiratory system, leading to airway inflammation. Symptoms typically emerge five days to three weeks post-exposure, initially presenting as a cold and low fever. Severe cases can escalate to intense coughing fits, resulting in gasping or whooping sounds and vomiting. Infants may not exhibit the characteristic whooping cough but may display signs like turning blue or gagging due to breathing difficulties.
Tragic Statistics and Historical Context
California has experienced a drastic rise in whooping cough cases, seeing an increase from 644 cases in 2023 to 2,753 in 2024. Moreover, in recent months, two infants in Louisiana and a five-year-old in Washington have succumbed to the illness.
Vaccination and Herd Immunity
Vaccination remains the most effective defense against whooping cough. The CDC recommends a series of DTaP vaccinations starting as early as two months old, with boosters administered at 4, 6, and 15-18 months, and again when children are between 4 and 6 years old. These vaccinations, crucial for maintaining herd immunity, are required for school entry across all 50 states, with a booster recommended for pregnant women.
Changing Attitudes Toward Vaccination
Experts attribute the rise in whooping cough cases to declining vaccination rates. In 2024, the percentage of children with exemptions to school-entry vaccinations reached a record high of 3.3%, as reported by the CDC. Dr. Ericka Hayes from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia remarked, “There’s unfortunately been increasing anti-vaccine sentiment in the United States,” emphasizing the implications for public health.
For further information, visit the CDC website.