Latest news with #StevenStack
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Two unvaccinated babies die of whooping cough in KY as disease rise is predicted to continue
(Kentucky Department of Public Health) Two unvaccinated babies have died from pertussis, better known as whooping cough, in Kentucky in the last six months, the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Friday. These two deaths in infants, whose mothers were also not vaccinated against pertussis, are the first whooping cough deaths in Kentucky since 2018, the department said. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can be life threatening. It is most dangerous for babies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can, however, affect people of any age. Kentucky health officials emphasized the importance of maternal immunization during pregnancy and for all infants beginning promptly at 2 months of age. 'Anyone can get whooping cough, but infants are at greatest risk for life-threatening illness,' Dr. Steven Stack, the state's public health commissioner, said in a statement. 'Fortunately, when vaccinations are administered to pregnant women, it provides protection to both the mother and the baby.' The state's public health department says there have been 247 cases of whooping cough so far in 2025. In 2024, there were 543 cases, the most since 2012. 'Health officials anticipate that whooping cough will continue to increase during the summer and fall, based on historic trends,' the department said. Vaccines are available to children as young as 2 months old and can help prevent it, the CDC says. The recommended vaccines are DTaP for children and Tdap for preteens. Concerned parents can call their primary care providers to ask about vaccines. Symptoms of whooping cough include, according to the Kentucky Department of Public Health: Runny or stuffy nose Uncontrollable coughing Vomiting from coughing Fever below 100.4 Fahrenheit Apnea (life-threatening pauses in breathing) and cyanosis (turning blue or purple) in infants and young children
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Kentucky health officials urge vaccines after infant deaths
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Health officials are urging Kentuckians to remain up to date on immunizations after two infants died from whooping cough. On Friday, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services said two infants have died from pertussis, whooping cough, in Kentucky in the last six months. Owensboro's blue bridge to close for up to 3 months Kentucky gas tax to see reduction next month Kentucky health officials urge vaccines after infant deaths The cabinet said both infants and their mothers were not immunized against whooping cough. These were the first pertussis-related deaths in Kentucky since 2018. 'Anyone can get whooping cough, but infants are at greatest risk for life-threatening illness,' Kentucky Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said. 'Fortunately, when vaccinations are administered to pregnant women, it provides protection to both the mother and the baby.' In July 2024, officials announced that whooping cough cases had begun increasing in Kentucky to levels not seen in over a decade. There were 543 cases of whooping cough reported in Kentucky in 2024, the highest number of cases in the commonwealth since 2012. Read more of the latest health and wellness news The cabinet said 247 cases of whooping cough have been reported in Kentucky this year, with officials anticipating cases increasing during the summer and fall, based on historic trends. FOX 56 chief medical contributor, Dr. Ryan Stanton, said whooping cough cases often show up in clusters throughout the year. Many U.S. states and other countries are also experiencing elevated levels of whooping cough. According to the Centers of Disease Control, early symptoms are usually mild, like a cold, and can include a runny nose, a low fever, and a mild cough. The CDC said those symptoms usually progress into many rapid coughs followed by a high-pitched 'whooping,' vomiting, and general exhaustion. The coughing can continue for up to 10 weeks or more. Babies may experience pauses in breathing rather than the signature whooping cough. What are the best places to work in Kentucky? Stargazing in Kentucky? Here are 5 parks you can visit for the best view UK Hospital still No. 1 in Ky., earns numerous recognitions in multiple specialties: Report The health department is asking parents to be sure school-age children have up-to-date vaccines. 'The vaccine's immunity tends to decrease over time, making the booster important for older children and adults, so talk to your provider to find out if you need a new dose!' the health department said. Anyone exposed to pertussis should get tested, officials said. Stanton said that whooping cough is high-risk for newborns and the elderly, but most cases are found in upper-middle and lower-high-school-age children. That's why he said up-to-date Tdap vaccinations are key. Read more of the latest trending news 'The tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis, this is the one you get when you cut yourself,' he said. 'But unfortunately, you know, we get them pretty regularly as children as we grow. But once we're an adult, we're not as prone to accidents. We don't cut ourselves quite as much. So, many people haven't had that up to date.' The pertussis immunization is given in combination with tetanus and diphtheria vaccines (DTaP and Tdap) and is required for Kentucky school children. Data from the 2045-2025 Kentucky school immunization survey shows that only 86% of kindergarteners and 85% of seventh graders are up to date on their required pertussis immunizations. With every pregnancy, to protect babies Infants at 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months old Children, before starting kindergarten Teens between 11 to 12 years old Teens and adults every 10 years or sooner if an injury occurs Health care providers said early detection, with proper testing, is critical to prevent further spread. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Child traveling through KY in March had measles but no one else was exposed, says state
The rate of measles vaccination among Kentucky children has declined, state officials say. (Getty Images) A child traveling through Kentucky was diagnosed with measles in March, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) announced Thursday. The child isn't a United States resident, CHFS said. The child's vaccination status and age were not provided. The child was diagnosed while being treated at a 'health care facility in Kentucky,' the cabinet said. The case did not result in exposures for others, the cabinet said, because 'the health care facility adhered to strict safety protocols.' This is the second confirmed case of measles in Kentucky this year. The first was reported in February in a Kentuckian who attended Frankfort Planet Fitness. Kentuckian has confirmed case of measles Meanwhile, CHFS reports that amid 'the largest outbreak of measles in the United States since measles was declared eliminated in the country in 2000,' not enough Kentucky school children are getting immunizations. 'Coverage among kindergartners for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is effective at preventing diseases, including measles, and is legally required for school attendance in Kentucky, has dropped to 86.9%, which is lower than the national average of 93%,' CHFS said. This is a decline from 90% in the 2023-2024 school year. Measles is extremely contagious and is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One infected person can infect nine in 10 unprotected people around them, the CDC says. Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The CDC recommends the measles vaccination series at 12-15 months and then at 4-6 years old. 'These are concerning trends that we are seeing,' Dr. Steven Stack, the state's public health commissioner, said in a statement. 'It is really important that folks are properly informed about vaccines so they can take safe steps to protect their children. Vaccines are safe and effective. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas
More measles cases are being confirmed across the United States as health officials work to treat patients in an ongoing outbreak in Texas. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced on Wednesday a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident, the first in the state in two years. The departments said the resident recently traveled internationally to an area where measles is spreading. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Bergen County linked to a patient whose case was confirmed earlier this month. Officials haven't found any links between the cases in Kentucky and New Jersey, and there's no evidence the cases in Kentucky or New Jersey are connected to the outbreak in Texas, which has so far sickened 124 people and led to one death in an unvaccinated school-aged child. MORE: Texas measles outbreak grows to 124 cases, mostly among unvaccinated Kentucky health officials are now attempting to contact anyone the infected resident may have come into contact with. The resident attended a Planet Fitness in Frankfort on Feb. 17 while contagious, officials said. "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world," KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a statement. "Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy." An official briefed on the situation told ABC News on Thursday that the new cases in New Jersey are members of the same family and were not vaccinated. Because they are in the same family, public health officials are hopeful public spread will have been limited. The original case tested positive after traveling internationally. The New Jersey Department of Health said people may have been exposed to measles if they visited Englewood Hospital's Emergency Department on Feb. 5. Health officials said people who were exposed could develop symptoms until as late as March 6. MORE: Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have been urging anyone who isn't vaccinated to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC currently recommends that people receive two vaccine doses, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Most vaccinated adults don't need a booster. Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 due to the highly effective vaccination program, according to the CDC. However, CDC data shows vaccination rates have been lagging in recent years. ABC News' Matt Foster contributed to this report. Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas originally appeared on
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas
More measles cases are being confirmed across the United States as health officials work to treat patients in an ongoing outbreak in Texas. The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced on Wednesday a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident, the first in the state in two years. The departments said the resident recently traveled internationally to an area where measles is spreading. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, health officials confirmed two new measles cases in Bergen County linked to a patient whose case was confirmed earlier this month. Officials haven't found any links between the cases in Kentucky and New Jersey, and there's no evidence the cases in Kentucky or New Jersey are connected to the outbreak in Texas, which has so far sickened 124 people and led to one death in an unvaccinated school-aged child. MORE: Texas measles outbreak grows to 124 cases, mostly among unvaccinated Kentucky health officials are now attempting to contact anyone the infected resident may have come into contact with. The resident attended a Planet Fitness in Frankfort on Feb. 17 while contagious, officials said. "Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world," KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a statement. "Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy." An official briefed on the situation told ABC News on Thursday that the new cases in New Jersey are members of the same family and were not vaccinated. Because they are in the same family, public health officials are hopeful public spread will have been limited. The original case tested positive after traveling internationally. The New Jersey Department of Health said people may have been exposed to measles if they visited Englewood Hospital's Emergency Department on Feb. 5. Health officials said people who were exposed could develop symptoms until as late as March 6. MORE: Measles cases are rising in US as Texas outbreak grows. Should we be concerned? Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. Just one infected patient can spread measles to up to nine out of 10 susceptible close contacts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health officials have been urging anyone who isn't vaccinated to receive the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC currently recommends that people receive two vaccine doses, the first at ages 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years old. One dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. Most vaccinated adults don't need a booster. Measles was declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000 due to the highly effective vaccination program, according to the CDC. However, CDC data shows vaccination rates have been lagging in recent years. ABC News' Matt Foster contributed to this report. Measles cases reported in New Jersey, Kentucky amid ongoing outbreak in Texas originally appeared on
