A third infant has died from whooping cough in Kentucky this year, marking the latest victim in what health officials are calling the worst outbreak since 2012.

The unvaccinated baby's death comes as Kentucky has reported at least 566 cases of whooping cough so far this year.

Nationally, more than 25,000 whooping cough cases have been reported in 2025, representing the second straight year of high numbers after cases dropped during the pandemic.

Health experts say falling vaccination rates are driving the surge in cases across the country.

Pennsylvania has seen the most activity with 3,500 cases and two infant deaths reported this year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, whooping cough also known as pertussis is a very contagious respiratory illness that may

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