FRANKFORT, Ky. (WOWK) — The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) announced Monday that another infant has died from pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough.
This marks the third such death in the past 12 months. According to KDPH, the rising spread of the respiratory infection is partly linked to declining vaccination rates. Officials noted that the current surge is the largest number of whooping cough cases in Kentucky since 2012.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of another infant death in Kentucky due to pertussis and are concerned by the volume of cases we are seeing throughout the commonwealth,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “We continue to urge Kentuckians to get their whooping cough vaccine and to make sure they are up to date on all other recommended immunizations. Many illnesses can be prevented through vaccination, which helps protect not only the individual but also those around them.”
How to prevent whooping cough outbreaks
KDPH reported 566 identified cases of whooping cough in Kentucky since Nov. 19. All three infants who died in the past year were unvaccinated, and their mothers had not received the vaccine either.
Health officials urge people to receive the Tdap or DTaP vaccine, which protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. Other recommended precautions include washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes and isolating when sick.
“Symptoms of whooping cough can vary based on age and vaccination status but typically begin with a runny or congested nose and mild coughing. After one to two weeks, the cough can progress to rapid, violent coughing fits that may cause the characteristic ‘whooping’ sound, vomiting or labored breathing,” the release said.
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