Sequoyah School is the latest Pasadena school to suffer an outbreak of whooping cough cases, according to the Pasadena Public Health Department.
Six confirmed cases of whooping cough have been confirmed at Sequoyah’s high school campus, the third outbreak at a Pasadena school.
Previous outbreaks were reported at Don Benito Fundamental School and Blair Middle School, according to PPHD.
According to PPHD, the city reports about three cases per year, but this year has already confirmed 17 cases.
“Pertussis is a serious and highly contagious illness,” Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health, said in a statement. “Staying home when sick is the key to stopping the spread of this preventable illness in our community. Parents should be on the alert for persistent or unusual coughs and seek medical care promptly if symptoms arise.”
Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear five to 21 days after exposure and begin with cold-like symptoms. The cough typically worsens over one to two weeks.
Severe coughing fits may cause gasping, vomiting or difficulty breathing. Infants may not cough but may gag, turn red or blue or briefly stop breathing.
Early data posted in April show fewer cases of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, have been reported in 2026 compared to the same time in 2025 in the U.S.
In the 20th century, according to the CDC, pertussis was among the most common childhood diseases and a major cause of death among U.S. children. Vaccines, made available in the 1940s, have proved successful against the virus.
PPHD said staying up to date on vaccines is the best way to decrease the likelihood of infection, severe illness and further complications.
For more information, visit the California Department of Public Health’s website. Pasadena offers the Tdap vaccine Monday and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. by appointment and walk-ins.
Most private insurance health plans cover DTaP/Tdap vaccines.
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