Some news hits especially hard when it involves our most fragile little ones. Families across the country are feeling that worry now, as whooping cough cases rise faster than anyone hoped. The illness, once common in the Victorian era, is finding its way back into headlines—and into homes.

Kentucky shared heartbreaking news this month after three infants died from the infection. All were too young to fight off the disease and had not received vaccines. Doctors say the state is now seeing its highest number of whooping cough cases in more than ten years.

Other states are facing similar spikes. Texas has reported four times more cases than last year, and Florida has seen numbers surge sharply. Federal health officials say more than 25,000 infections have been recorded this year, far above what’s been typical in recent times.

The turning point in this growing concern is tied to dropping vaccination rates. Many children are missing their routine DTaP shots, and fewer adults and pregnant women are getting the Tdap booster. Experts warn that weakened immunity creates an easy pathway for whooping cough to spread, especially to infants who depend on protection from others.

Whooping cough often starts like a simple cold but can quickly turn into long, choking coughs that leave children struggling for breath. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, seizures, or even death. Doctors describe heartbreaking scenes of babies trying to catch a breath between harsh coughing spells.

Health officials say the best defense remains vaccination, which has protected generations of children. As cases rise, many hope communities will come together once again to keep the youngest among us safe.