11 cases of whooping cough confirmed in Fayette County since early October

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed 11 cases of pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough, reported since October 3.

Health officials say 10 of the cases involve school-age children and one case involves a 1-year-old. Cases have been identified at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, Lafayette High School, Lansdowne Elementary, and Lexington Christian Academy High School.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread through coughing and sneezing. It can be especially dangerous for infants and people with chronic health conditions.

Symptoms often begin like a common cold — with a runny nose, sneezing, low-grade fever, and a persistent cough that can worsen over time.

For more information or updates on reported cases, visit the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department’s website by clicking HERE.