Pasadena Resident Contracts Whooping Cough After Visit to Kidspace Children's Museum

A person living in Pasadena contracted whooping cough following a visit to the Kidspace Children's Museum in late April, as reported by public health officials.

The local inhabitant went to the museum from 1:30 PM until 5 PM on Friday, April 25. The Pasadena Public Health Department urged households that were at the Kidspace Children's Museum within that timeframe to watch out for signs of illness over the next 21 days, particularly noting an increase in persistent coughs or respiratory problems, notably among small kids or babies.

The PPHD team mentioned that initial indications of whooping cough often mirror those of a common cold, including frequent sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, and a slight hacking cough. This can be coupled with a minor temperature rise below 100.4°F, which gradually escalates into more intense bouts of coughing within one to two weeks. Intense fits of coughing might lead to choking spells, nausea, or difficulty inhaling properly. In babies, these symptoms may manifest differently; they might not show much coughing but instead exhibit skin discoloration turning them red or even blue at times, along with choking episodes or temporary cessation of breath.

Residents who visited Kidspace during the time frame should contact their healthcare provider if anyone in their household develops a persistent cough or cold symptoms. Anyone who becomes sick should stay at home until cleared by a doctor or after five days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.

Infants and expectant mothers should steer clear of individuals who are ill.

Babies, expectant mothers, and those who care for babies are categorized as high-risk contacts and might require preventive antibiotics, even if they aren’t showing any signs of illness.

The PPHD team advises that children, expectant mothers, and caregivers keep their Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis vaccinations current. Additionally, those kids aged 11 or 12 as well as pregnant individuals should get their booster shots.

Pasadena offers vaccinations From 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM on Mondays and from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM on Wednesdays.