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Kentucky Reports Third Infant Death from Pertussis Outbreak

11/26/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports a third infant death from pertussis in the past year.
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, says pertussis cases rose to 566 in 2025.
The previous two deaths were the first from pertussis in Kentucky since 2018.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed none of the deceased infants or their mothers were vaccinated.

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Story summary

The Kentucky Department for Public Health reports a third infant death from pertussis in the past year.
Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, says pertussis cases rose to 566 in 2025.
The previous two deaths were the first from pertussis in Kentucky since 2018.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed none of the deceased infants or their mothers were vaccinated.