The Pasadena Public Health Department on Wednesday warned residents of increasing cases of mpox and statewide and a whooping cough outbreak at a local elementary school.
Officials urged the public to take precautions against mpox and consider vaccination because cases are increasing — vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, particularly for individuals at higher risk of exposure, according to the Health Department.
Mpox is a viral disease that is currently circulating in two strains — clade I and clade II. Clade I cases are typically linked to international travel, while clade II has been spreading at low levels in California since 2022 largely resulting from close physical contact.
A recent clade I case was confirmed in San Francisco involving an unvaccinated individual who had traveled internationally amid a rise in clade II infections, according to statewide data.
“With summer travel and large events approaching, now is the ideal time to protect yourself if you or your sex partner may be at risk for mpox,” Pasadena Health Officer Dr. Parveen Kaur said in a statement.
The virus spreads through close contact with infected people. Exposure to bodily fluids, skin lesions or contaminated materials can lead to an infection with symptoms that can include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes and a rash.
Most mpox cases are mild and last about two to four weeks, but people remain contagious until lesions have healed and new skin has formed, officials said.
The Pasadena and California health departments are recommending that eligible individuals receive two doses of the Jynneos vaccine, which officials said is effective in preventing infection and reducing illness severity.
Officials said the overall risk to the general public remains low, but encouraged those in higher-risk groups to implement preventive measures and consult medical care providers about vaccine options.
Whooping cough
The Pasadena Public Health Department is also investigating an outbreak of four confirmed cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, at Don Benito Fundamental School.
Health officials are working with the Pasadena Unified School District and community partners to monitor for additional cases at the school, located at 3700 Denair St. in the city’s northeast section.
“Guidance has been provided to all identified close contacts, including instructions for testing, treatment, and home isolation if symptoms appear,” according to a PPHD statement.
“Given elevated pertussis activity in the community, PPHD urges residents to ensure they are up to date on pertussis vaccines, consult their health care provider if they develop a persistent cough or respiratory illness, and stay home when sick to help prevent further spread,” officials said. “Parents and caregivers should keep symptomatic children at home and contact their primary care provider for testing and treatment.”
Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected individual. Symptoms usually appear five to 21 days following exposure. Early symptoms resemble a cold — sneezing, runny nose, mild cough and low‑grade fever — but the cough typically worsens over one to two weeks. Severe coughing fits may cause gasping or “whooping,” vomiting or difficulty breathing. Infants may not cough but may gag, turn red or blue or briefly stop breathing, officials said.
The Health Department advised people who have been exposed to pertussis to:
- “Monitor for symptoms for 21 days, especially in children.
- “Watch for worsening cough or breathing difficulties.”
- Contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.
- Sick people should stay home until cleared by a medical care provider or after five days of taking antibiotics.
- “Prevent contact between sick individuals and infants or pregnant people.
- High‑risk contacts include infants under 1 year, pregnant women and caregivers of infants — they may need preventive antibiotics even without symptoms.
Officials said testing and early treatment with antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough. Vaccination significantly decreases the likelihood of infection, severe illness and further complications and is the best defense.
The Health Department urged the public to check that children are up to date on their diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, or DTaP vaccine and children 11- or 12 years old have received their tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, or Tdap booster. Pregnant adults and caregivers of young children should also make sure they have received a Tdap booster.
Children with suspected pertussis cases should not be allowed to return to school until they have met recommended clearance criteria, according to the Health Department.
The PPHD currently offers the Tdap vaccine Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. by appointment and walk-ins. Most private health insurance plans cover the DTaP/Tdap vaccines. More information is available from the city’s list of vaccines.
The Vaccines for Children program provides vaccines when parents or guardians are not be able to afford them.
