LFCHD confirms more cases in Lexington whooping cough outbreak

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has confirmed more cases of pertussis.

According to the health department, six new cases of pertussis, also known as whooping cough, have been confirmed in Lexington in the past week.

The health department says Lexington has had more cases in the past six weeks than the previous five years combined. We’re told Lexington is now up to 27 confirmed cases reported since April 26, compared to 16 total in the previous five years.

On May 20, the health department declared a pertussis outbreak in Fayette County.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory illness spread by coughing and sneezing.

The health department says all central Kentucky caregivers should be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of pertussis while ensuring their kids are up to date on their vaccines or fully vaccinated with the booster.