Six More Whooping Cough Cases Reported in Lexington; Pediatrician Urges Vaccinations and Boosters

In a concerning development in Lexington, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has reported an additional six cases of whooping cough, clinically known as pertussis. This brings the total to 38 since the initial reports on April 26.

Most Patients are Vaccinated

Dr. Elizabeth Hawse, a respected Lexington pediatrician, has treated multiple people diagnosed with this highly contagious disease. A significant point she highlighted was that many of the patients had previously been vaccinated. This fact proved beneficial as these patients were only minimally symptomatic, only experiencing a lingering cough. “A lot of them are people that have been vaccinated, which is great because they’re minimally symptomatic, meaning they’ve got this lingering cough, and they come in because they’re not sure why they have this lingering cough,” she said.

A Vocal Advocate for Vaccinations

Dr. Hawse is a vocal advocate for whooping cough vaccinations and booster shots, particularly for infants. It is a disease that sees more than half of infected babies, under six months old, being hospitalized. Highlighting the importance of reducing potential exposure, Hawse said, “We’re all going to the grocery, we’re going to Home Depot, Lowe’s, and people have young babies that they take in there, and you don’t want to expose, you know, I don’t want to be the reason someone’s two-month-old is hospitalized.”

Checking Vaccination Status

Given the situation, she recommends that people should check their vaccination status with their doctor. If that is not possible for some reason, she advises them to use the online Kentucky Immunization Registry to create an account and stay updated.

Support for Vaccination Efforts

This issue has once again underscored the critical importance of vaccinations in maintaining public health. Medical practitioners and public health officials are urging the community to check their vaccination status and ensure that their children are up-to-date with their immunizations in order to keep them protected.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the situation in Lexington serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccinations and regular health checks. People are urged to consult with their doctors or medical health professionals if they or their children experience persistent cough. While whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics, prevention through vaccination remains the best strategy.