Kentucky faces worst whooping cough outbreak in over a decade

Kentucky is seeing its worst outbreak of whooping cough in more than a decade, with health officials reporting three infant deaths so far this year- a tragic reminder of how dangerous this disease can be for the youngest among us.

The state has logged 566 pertussis cases across 93 counties in 2025, the highest count since 2012.

Here in Jefferson County, the numbers tell a concerning story. We went from just 2 cases in 2023 to 47 last year, and we're already at 41 this year.

Dr. Kris Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease specialist with Louisville Metro Public Health, says those three deaths this year should get everyone's attention. All three babies hadn't been vaccinated yet, and neither had their mothers during pregnancy.

"When pertussis cases go up, we expect to see cases in the most vulnerable people and that's really infants," Dr. Bryant explained. "These young infants who died had not been immunized, and their mothers had not been immunized."

Pertussis starts off looking like a regular cold, but it quickly turns into severe coughing fits that can last for weeks or even months. It's especially dangerous for babies too young to be fully vaccinated.

The good news? There's a highly effective vaccine. Kids get the DTaP shot starting at 2 months old, with boosters continuing through early elementary school. Teens and adults need the Tdap booster, and here's something crucial- pregnant women should get vaccinated during every pregnancy to protect their babies in those vulnerable first weeks of life.

Dr. Bryant emphasizes this isn't just about individual protection. "When children receive all recommended immunizations on time, our whole community benefits," she said. "High childhood vaccination rates help to create community immunity, which offers widespread protection against contagious diseases."

If you don't have health insurance and need to get your child vaccinated, Louisville Metro Public Health can help. You can call them at 574-5380 or visit their immunizations webpage to schedule an appointment.

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