LEXINGTON, Ky. — There have been more than 100 confirmed cases of whooping cough in the commonwealth this year as of July, the highest number since 2017. 

With temperatures gradually dropping ahead of the time of year when it typically spikes, a health expert said focusing on prevention, treatment and protecting those at risk is key. 

Sean McTigue, interim chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the Kentucky Children's Hospital, said the disease can cause severe complications from cracked ribs to ruptured blood vessels in the eyes and is critical on newborns and infants. 

“It can also lead to things like brain damage from lack of oxygen, depending on how long they go without breathing," McTigue said. 

As of July 2024, there were at least 64 confirmed cases in Lexington since the year began, according to the Fayette County Health Department. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services added 91% of kindergarteners and 85% of seventh-graders were not up to date on their required immunizations. 

“That's been an increasing problem, especially over the last four years, and that's led to an increase in the number of cases that we see," he said. "We've certainly seen more pertussis over the last four years than we had previously as vaccine rates have dropped.” 

McTigue also encouraged new mothers who can help build antibodies against the illness, newborns, children, elderly adults and those immunocompromised to also receive the vaccination or a booster. 

“Where we certainly see a need for vaccination are adults ... most adults aren't getting vaccines regularly because they think of them as for children," McTigue said. 

Outside of getting vaccinated, whooping cough or pertussis can be treated with an antibiotic, but McTigue added long-term effects are still possible. 

“Preventing that with vaccines is really the best way to go," McTigue said. "Not only will it help protect everybody else, but it'll help keep you from dealing with quite a nasty illness."