Kentucky Faces Its Worst Pertussis Spike in a Decade

Health officials in Kentucky have confirmed another heartbreaking pertussis death in the state. An infant has died from the disease, marking the third infant death from whooping cough in the Commonwealth within the last year.

Kentucky Faces Its Largest Pertussis Spike Since 2012

The American Academy of Pediatrics and state leaders are urging families to stay aware, stay informed, and stay up to date on vaccinations.

This most recent case involves an unvaccinated infant whose mother also did not receive the recommended pertussis vaccine during pregnancy. Health leaders say this pattern matches the other recent infant deaths in the state. Kentucky is now experiencing its largest pertussis spike since 2012.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of another infant death in Kentucky due to pertussis,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. He noted that cases are not only rising across the commonwealth but nationwide as well.

A Dangerous Rise in Cases

More than 25,000 pertussis cases have been reported across the United States this year. That number is lower than the 2024 total at this point in the year, but still higher than what is considered typical. Before 2024, the last time national cases topped 25,000 was 2014.

Infant deaths have also been reported in Louisiana and Washington state this year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows ten pertussis-related deaths nationwide in 2024.

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Why Whooping Cough Is So Dangerous for Infants

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory infection. Many people recognize it by the high-pitched, gasping “whoop” sound that can happen between coughing fits. However, babies often do not make that classic sound, but the illness can cause them to suddenly stop breathing or turn blue.

About one-third of infants who get pertussis need to be hospitalized, and complications from the disease can include pneumonia, seizures, and long recovery periods.

Vaccination Schedules That Protect Babies and Communities

Vaccination is the most effective way to protect infants. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis) doses at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 15 to 18 months
• 4 to 6 years

A booster is recommended at age 11 to 12. Additionally, pregnant people are advised to receive a Tdap booster during the third trimester to help pass protective antibodies to their babies.

“Watching your child turn blue as they struggle to catch their breath is terrifying,” said Dr. Sean O’Leary of the AAP. “Whooping cough is preventable. The vaccine is safe and extremely effective.”

Vaccination Rates and Misinformation

About 92 percent of kindergarteners were up to date on the recommended DTaP doses during the 2024 to 2025 school year. The AAP continues to push for a 95 percent nationwide vaccination rate and is running a campaign aimed at combating the misinformation that puts children at risk.

What Pediatricians Want Parents and Caregivers to Know

If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about receiving the Tdap booster during your third trimester. If you are a parent or caregiver who spends time around infants, check your own vaccination status. And if your child is behind on vaccines, pediatricians can help you get caught up.

How Families Can Reduce Risk During the Pertussis Surge

Infant pertussis deaths are rare, but they are happening more frequently in Kentucky. Staying informed and staying vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to protect the youngest members of our communities.