Two infants in Kentucky have died of whooping cough in the last six months, the Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed Friday.

The deaths from pertussis are the first in the state since 2018.

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that settles in the respiratory system. A deep and persistent cough that resembles a “whooping” sound is often a signature symptom, earning the illness the name whooping cough.

Neither of the babies or their mothers were vaccinated against whooping cough, state officials said.

Pertussis immunizations are recommended during pregnancy or infancy, starting at two months old.

The health department did not immediately provide details on exactly how old the infants were, or where in Kentucky the deaths occurred.

“Anyone can get whooping c

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