A local Pasadena resident has contracted whooping cough after an outing to Kidspace Children's Museum, according to CBS Los Angeles. The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) confirmed this lone case of the respiratory infection, with the individual having visited the Children's Museum on April 25, between 1:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.
The Department is urging anyone who was at the museum during the stated time to keep an eye on their families for symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, or a mild cough which are initial signs of whooping cough, a highly contagious infection characterized by severe coughing fits which can induce gasping, vomiting, or trouble breathing, infants, may not cough but could experience more severe symptoms such as turning red or blue, gagging or even stopping breathing. The PPHD, by way of a statement on their website, also highlighted that early diagnosis through a nasal swab is crucial in managing the infection effectively.
As a precaution, the Health Department has recommended that those who have visited Kidspace and are at heightened risk, like infants, pregnant women, and caregivers of infants should consider preventive antibiotics even if they display no symptoms, and those who develop a persistent cough or cold symptoms should reach out to their healthcare provider and remain in isolation until they are given the all-clear or after five days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
The PPHD is actively encouraging everyone, particularly children, pregnant women, and caregivers of young children, to verify that they are up to date with their Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccines, with additional advice that 11- or 12-year-olds should be receiving their boosters at this critical time. Moreover, the Department offers vaccines on Mondays and Wednesdays, available for both scheduled appointments and walk-ins, and most private health insurance plans should typically cover the DTaP/Tdap vaccines.
