Pertussis Update

You may have heard some confusing and contradictory reports about Pertussis cases in general and one case at Kidspace in particular.

Cases of Pertussis (whooping cough) have been surging in the past year both nationally and in California. Recently the Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) reported a case of Pertussis in a child who visited Kidspace earlier in the day on 4/29. The child did not contract the illness at Kidspace; the incubation period for whooping cough is 5-21 days.

Within hours of learning about the potential exposure at the museum, Kidspace directly notified every visitor who had been on campus that day to provide guidance from the PPHD, regardless of whether they may have had any contact with the infected child.

Kidspace’s cleaning policies are rigorous and regular, with surface cleaning continuously throughout the day and deep cleans every night. Our Early Learning Center, designed for our littlest visitors, is closed mid-day for a complete clean and reset. We only use cleaning agents that are safe for children and effective against germs.

Kidspace makes every effort to provide a safe and happy place for families and staff. We encourage families to remember that if your child is feeling unwell or exhibiting any symptoms of illness, you should take precautions and keep them at home.

Read the latest information from the Pasadena Public Health Department below:

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Pasadena Public Health Confirms One Case of Whooping Cough in Resident – Updated

PASADENA, Calif. — Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) has received confirmation of one case of whooping cough (pertussis) in a Pasadena resident.

WHAT: On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Pasadena Public Health Department confirmed one case of whooping cough (pertussis) in a Pasadena resident. Whooping cough spreads through coughing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms usually appear 5 to 21 days after exposure. Early signs resemble a cold (sneezing, runny nose, mild cough), and usually a low-grade fever (less than 100.4° F) but the cough becomes more severe over 1 to 2 weeks. Severe coughing fits may cause gasping (“whooping”), vomiting, or trouble breathing. Infants may not cough but turn red or blue, gag, or stop breathing. A nasal swab is the best way to confirm diagnosis.

WHERE: The resident with whooping cough went to the following location on this date/time:

Location: Kidspace Children’s Museum (480 N. Arroyo Blvd.)

Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The resident had symptoms consistent with a cold that began prior to visiting Kidspace Children’s Museum, resulting in a potential exposure for others to the illness. The potential exposure is a reminder to parents and caregivers that if their child is feeling unwell or exhibiting symptoms of illness, they should take precautions and keep them home.

Kidspace Children’s Museum has been a reliable partner throughout the process fully cooperating with the case investigation, immediately notifying patrons who were in the facility on the exposure date, and maintaining cleaning practices that protect against illness. “It’s clear that Kidspace Children’s Museum is committed to creating a safe place for all visitors and I appreciate their support throughout this process”, stated Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona.

WHO IS IMPACTED: If you were at Kidspace Children’s Museum during this time frame, you and your family should:

• Monitor for symptoms in your household, especially in children, for up to 21 days.
• Be alert to worsening cough or breathing issues, especially in young children or infants.
• Contact your healthcare provider if anyone develops a persistent cough or cold symptoms.
• · Keep sick individuals home until cleared by a doctor or after 5 days of appropriate antibiotic treatment.
• Avoid contact between sick individuals and babies or pregnant women.
• High-risk contacts (infants under the age of one, pregnant women, or caregivers of infants) may need preventive antibiotics even if they are not showing symptoms.

Note that all information regarding this public health investigation is confidential to protect all patients’ privacy. The facility and PPHD cannot release the name(s) of any ill person(s).

HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF: Testing and early treatment with antibiotics can treat the infection and prevent the spread of whooping cough. Vaccination is the best defense. Check that children are up to date on their Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine and children ages 11 or 12 yrs have received their Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap) booster. Adults, especially pregnant women and caregivers of young children, should also ensure that they have received a Tdap booster.

PPHD offers the DTaP/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. For more information, view the list of vaccines.

Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.

UPDATED SATURDAY MAY, 3

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