FRANKFORT, Ky. (WKYT) - A third infant has died from pertussis in Kentucky within the past 12 months, state health officials announced Monday.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health said the death comes amid the largest spike in whooping cough cases reported in the commonwealth since 2012. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that has been increasing in prevalence across the United States in part due to declining vaccination rates.

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“We are deeply saddened to learn of another infant death in Kentucky due to pertussis and are concerned by the volume of cases we are seeing throughout the commonwealth,” said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

As of Nov.

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