 Friday, December 5, 2025
Whooping cough cases are continuing to rise
 The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has reported an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases in recent weeks. To date in 2025, there have been 566 reported cases across 93 counties in Kentucky, marking the highest total since 2012. Many U.S. states and other countries are also experiencing elevated levels of pertussis.
In Jefferson County, the number of pertussis cases is also on the rise:
-
2023: 2 total cases, 2 confirmed.
-
2024: 47 total cases, 39 confirmed and 8 probable.
-
2025 to date: 41 total cases, 36 confirmed and 5 probable.
Pertussis is a bacterial illness that causes severe coughing spells that can last for weeks or months. While the earliest symptoms of pertussis may resemble those of a common cold, the disease can become life-threatening, particularly for infants according to Dr. Kris Bryant, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and associate medical director for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW).
Dr. Bryant emphasized that three deaths is a significant number for any year and highlighted the heightened risk for infants.
“When pertussis cases go up, we expect to see cases in the most vulnerable people and that’s really infants,” said Dr. Bryant. “These young infants who died had not been immunized, and their mothers had not been immunized.”
Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent pertussis. The vaccine for children is known as DTaP, while the booster for adolescents and adults is called Tdap. Both DTaP and Tdap provide protection against pertussis, as well as tetanus and diphtheria. Children generally begin receiving immunizations at 2 months of age, with a series of five doses completed by 4 to 6 years of age.
Dr. Bryant stressed the importance of keeping vaccinations up to date. “When children receive all recommended immunizations on time, our whole community benefits. High childhood vaccination rates help to create community immunity, which offers widespread protection against contagious diseases. By coming together to support immunization programs, our community can ensure that all children get the opportunity to grow up healthy and strong.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends all pregnant women should be immunized with every pregnancy to protect their babies.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be immunized when they are 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12 to 15 months old. Children should be immunized before starting kindergarten. Teenagers should be immunized when 11 to 12 years old. Teens and adults should be immunized at least every 10 years or sooner if an injury occurs, or to protect a newborn.
Parents who do not have health insurance and wish to have their child vaccinated can contact the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness at 574-5380 or visit our Immunizations webpage to schedule an appointment.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: Tips help you to prep your body and mind for the dark days of winter
 Courtesy of Johns Hopkins University
As the days shorten and daylight decreases, some individuals may experience feelings of sadness. While many people may feel the "winter blues," others might encounter a type of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The first step is to assess how significantly your symptoms impact your daily life.
Are your symptoms mild and have they persisted for less than two weeks?
- Feeling down yet still able to care for yourself and others.
- Experiencing some difficulty sleeping.
- Having reduced energy but still managing job, school, or household tasks.
Engaging in certain activities may help improve your mood:
- Participating in enjoyable activities.
- Spending time outdoors in natural light.
- Connecting with friends and family.
- Eating a balanced diet while limiting sugary foods.
If these activities do not provide relief or if symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare provider.
Do you have more severe symptoms that have lasted more than two weeks?
- Social withdrawal
- Oversleeping
- Gaining weight
- Craving foods with lots of sugar like cakes, candies, and cookies
Seek professional help
- Light therapy
- Psychotherapy (talk therapy)
- Medications
- Vitamin D supplements
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also visit our Community Mental Health Services webpage for a listing of mental health resources.
Are you looking for a wellness provider? Visit Mental Health Lou for a listing of local professionals.
Be sure to visit our newly remodeled
immunization offices
 The renovations of our immunization offices at the Southwest Government Center are complete. Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness' WIC and immunizations programs are available there.
Our immunizations team invites everyone to the open house of the newly renovated offices from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, at the Southwest Government Center, 7219 Dixie Hwy, 2nd floor.
This event highlights our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible care to the community. During the open house, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the updated facility and meet our dedicated care team.
Mothers can get in tune with their babies
 Families are invited to join the members from our Healthy Start team for an evening of music, dinner and lots of smiles at Baby & Me in Music, which will be held 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Locals Food Hub, 822 E. Broadway.
Please use this link or scan the QR code to register.
For more information, please email healthystartevents@louisvilleky.gov
|
