A third Kentucky infant has died from pertussis within the past 12 months, according to a Nov. 24 news release from the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

Pertussis, or whooping cough , is a highly-contagious respiratory infection officials say has been spreading throughout the country “in part due to declining vaccination rates.” As of Nov. 19, 566 cases of whooping cough have been identified in Kentucky, and officials anticipate more cases before the end of 2025.

“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 Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Though symptoms can vary depending on age and vaccination st

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