Pasadena is investigating a pertussis outbreak at Don Benito Fundamental School that has infected four people so far, officials said Wednesday.
The Pasadena Public Health Department said symptoms of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, resemble a cold, with the cough usually getting worse over weeks and may include gasping, vomiting and difficulty breathing. in a statement Declaration of outbreak.
“Given the increased pertussis activity in the community, the (Pasadena Department of Public Health) urges residents to make sure they are up to date on pertussis vaccines, consult their health care provider if they have a persistent cough or respiratory illness, and stay home when sick to help prevent further spread,” the department said.
The disease is highly contagious and spreads through coughing or close contact with a sick person. It takes five to 21 days for symptoms to appear after exposure. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines can prevent infection and reduce the chance of serious illness.
Don Benito Fundamental School is an elementary school in the Pasadena Unified School District, serving approximately 350 students this school year.
According to the , cases of pertussis have increased in California in recent years, despite falling dramatically during the main years of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from California Department of Public Health. Last year, 2,442 cases were reported across the state and 2,912 cases in 2024. In 2021, only 194 cases were reported across the state.
