Third unvaccinated Kentucky baby dies of whooping cough

 Pertussis or whopping cough is most dangerous to babies. Vaccination beginning at 2 months is the best way to prevent it. (Getty Images)

As of Nov. 19, there have been 566 cases of whooping cough identified in Kentucky, with health officials anticipating more cases as the year ends. Babies younger than 1 year old are at the greatest risk for whooping cough.The best way to prevent whooping cough is by receiving the Tdap or DTaP vaccine, which protects against three bacterial infections — diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, say public health experts, says the release.

Infants can receive the DTaP vaccine beginning at 2 months. The Tdap vaccine is recommended for women during pregnancy to help provide early protection for the baby.

“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.”

The cabinet’s news release says:

Whooping cough vaccination is required for Kentucky school children. Data from the 2024-2025 Kentucky school immunization survey indicate, however, that only 86% of kindergarteners and 85% of seventh-graders are up to date on their required whooping cough vaccines. Health officials encourage everyone to remain up to date with pertussis immunizations. This means:

• All pregnant women should be immunized with each pregnancy to protect their babies.

• Infants should be immunized when they are 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-to-15 months old.

• Children should be immunized before starting kindergarten.

• Pre-teens should be immunized between the ages of 11 and 12 years old.

• Teens and adults should be immunized at least every 10 years, or sooner if an injury occurs or to protect a newborn.

Other ways to prevent the spread of whooping cough and other infectious illnesses include washing hands often, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home 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.

For more information, please visit the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s whooping cough website or contact your local health department.