3 cases of whooping cough found in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) – Health officials in Louisville are reporting three cases of whooping cough in unvaccinated infants.

The metro Department of Public Health and Wellness says the three cases in infants six months or younger is highly unusual.

Health officials are urging parents to get their children immunized on schedule.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. It initially resembles an ordinary cold but can turn more serious, especially in infants.

Officials say infants with the illness may display apnea, a pause in the child’s breathing pattern. About half of infants younger than one year who get the disease need care in the hospital.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.