BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Whooping cough, a disease known for its rapid and violent coughing outbursts, is on the rise in Kentucky, said local doctors and the Kentucky Department of Health.

What You Need To Know

  • There have been 130 cases of whooping cough reported in Kentucky so far in 2024, a number that hasn't been seen in years 

  • This is an increase from 2023, when 84 cases were reported 

  • Some doctors attributed this to a decline in vaccination rates 

  • Ways to prevent the disease, doctors said, including getting vaccinated, hand-washing and wearing a mask if sick 

Suman Shekar of the Medical Center at Bowling Green has seen the uptick. 

“(Whooping cough) is a respiratory bacterial infection which causes pneumonia, cough, cold, fever and so on," Shekar said. 

According to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, 130 cases have been reported so far this year, a number that hasn't been seen in seven years and an increase from last year. 

“Last year, in 2023, there were 84 cases in Kentucky," Shekar said. 

At least eight of the 130 cases this year have resulted in hospitalization. Shekar said one reason Kentucky has seen an increase in whooping cough is because of the decline in vaccination rates, with 91% of kindergartners and 85% of seventh-graders having their required immunizations.

“If somebody is not vaccinated, or if they’re immunocompromised, then they are affected more," Shekar said. 

In addition, whooping cough is typically more contagious than some other illnesses, creating a window of opportunity to spread.

“For three to four weeks, the patients are contagious," Shekar said. 

There are simple ways to avoid the disease, Shekar said, such as getting vaccinated, consistent hand-washing and wearing a mask if sick. 

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