Whooping cough cases continue to increase in Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Whooping cough cases within the last six weeks in Lexington have tallied more than the total number of cases in the last five years put together.

On Tuesday, June 11, the number of cases of whooping cough has increased by six in the past week, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department said.

The newly added six cases now makes the total number of confirmed cases of pertussis, 27, since the last week in April.

Within the past five years, Lexington only had 16 cases altogether, according to the health department.

Whooping cough is highly contagious and spreads through coughing or sneezing. Those with immunocompromised systems have the greatest risk for severe illness, the CDC says.

Early signs of pertussis are similar to an everyday cold. The illness starts with a runny or congested nose, mild cough, and a low-grade fever. After a week or so, the cough starts to get worse and can eventually lead to vomiting, having a hard time breathing, and tiredness, according to the CDC.

The health department urges the importance of booster shots for kids and adults to boost immunity against the illness. Even if you have already been vaccinated, the health department still recommends the booster since immunity wears over time.

For more information on the illness and the symptoms that come with it, visit this link.