Kentucky Reports Three Infant Deaths Linked to Whooping Cough Surge,Amidst Declining Vaccination Rates
FRANKFORT,KY – Kentucky health officials are reporting three infant deaths from whooping cough (pertussis) in teh last 12 months - the stateS first reported infant fatalities from the disease since 2018.all three infants, adn their mothers, were unvaccinated against the respiratory illness, according to the Kentucky Department of Public health.
The deaths coincide with the largest pertussis outbreak in Kentucky as 2012. As of November 19th, 566 cases have been identified statewide, with officials anticipating further increases before the end of the year. Infants under one year old are at the highest risk of severe complications and death from whooping cough.
Nationwide, pertussis cases are rising as vaccination rates fall. Kentucky’s school-aged children currently have a pertussis vaccination rate of approximately 85%, falling short of the 95% target needed to achieve herd immunity – a level of protection that safeguards vulnerable populations like infants and those with medical conditions preventing vaccination.
“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,” stated 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. Manny illnesses can be prevented through vaccination, which helps protect not only the individual but also those around them.”
Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing spells, which can be life-threatening, especially for infants. vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease.
