Kentucky Confirms Third Infant Death From Whooping Cough as U.S. Cases Top 25,000 in 2025
Health officials attribute the resurgence to declining vaccination coverage.
Overview
- Kentucky’s Department for Public Health reported a third infant death from pertussis within the past 12 months.
- State data show 566 whooping cough cases in Kentucky as of Nov. 19, with infants facing the highest risk of severe illness.
- More than 25,000 cases have been reported nationally in 2025, characterized by officials as the worst outbreak since 2012.
- Pennsylvania has recorded about 3,500 cases this year and two infant deaths, reflecting particularly high activity.
- The CDC recommends on‑schedule DTaP for children, Tdap during each pregnancy, and early antibiotic treatment for suspected cases.