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There is a peak in cases of whooping cough in Louisville, according to the Department of Public Health and Wellbeing.
Officials said there were 62 cases in 2018 and 27 cases in 2017.
Pertussis, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection.
It initially looks like a cough, but it can become more serious, especially in infants and toddlers, officials said.
"We recommend that doctors test whooping cough in patients who have a cough that persists for two weeks or more, "said Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellbeing director Lori Caloia. "We also urge parents of infants and toddlers, as well as brothers, sisters, grandparents and caregivers to be immunized against whooping cough."
The Department of Public Health and Wellbeing advises infants to receive a series of DTaP immunizations at 2, 4 and 6 months, with boosters of 15 to 18 months and 4 to 6 years. Children should then receive a single dose of the Tdap vaccine at 11 to 12 years of age.
Pregnant women should receive a single dose of Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably between 27 and 36 weeks, authorities said.
Parents who do not have health insurance are invited to call the Department of Public Health and Wellness at 502-574-6520.
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