Whooping cough outbreak: Pasadena health officials confirm 4 cases at school

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Pasadena health officials are investigating a whooping cough outbreak after four cases were confirmed at a school.

The cases were found at Don Benito Fundamental School. The Pasadena Public Health Department says it is working with the Pasadena Unified School School District to monitor for additional cases.

Some parents at the school are cautious.

"I'm a little scared... I don't know. I kind of feel safe, but I don't know," said Patriciea Charles.

Another parent told Eyewitness News off-camera that she's worried about her son's asthma. But others feel the school is doing its due diligence with the four confirmed cases so far.

"They're handling it, pretty much to the best of their ability," said parent Mani Grundy. "They sent full notice to all families so they're doing the best that they can."

Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 after exposure, officials say.

Early symptoms resemble a cold, such as sneezing, running nose, mild cough and a low-grade fever, but the cough typically worsens within 1-2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may create that gasping or "whooping" sound and vomiting.

"Kids are the perfect vessels for transmission - even if they're fully vaccinated. In this instance, all four of our cases were fully vaccinated ." said Dr. Matt Feaster with the public health department. "What the vaccine does is protect you from severe illness and death."

Feaster added that someone who's been vaccinated can still transmit and get the disease.

Here's what to do if you think you've been exposed:

- Monitor for symptoms for 21 days
- Watch for worsening cough or breathing difficulties
- Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop
- Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a doctor

If you are considered at high risk - infants, caregivers of infants or pregnant women - you may need preventive antibiotics even without symptoms showing up.

Officials are urging families to stay up to date on vaccinations and keep sick children home.