Although the number of cases is not as high as other parts of the state, health officials in western Kentucky are urging residents to get vaccinated for whooping cough.
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection which symptomizes as a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched inhale that sounds like a “whoop.”
Regional epidemiologist with the Purchase District Health Department Rui Zhao says pertussis can be deadly for infants and the elderly.
“Pertussis deprives lungs of oxygen leading to heavy, violent coughing to try and get in air,” said Zhao. “Because of that heavy coughing, elderly patients have been known to break ribs or, if they’re restrained, to dislocate limbs in those restraints.”
There were only 3 reported regional cases last year, Zhao advises residents to get vaccinated now to prevent an outbreak. Vaccinations aren't infalliable, but they make it 8 times less likely to contract the infection.
At least 87 cases have been reported in the state in the last five months, with the main concentrations in Jefferson County and northern Kentucky.
