According to a new study, mothers are not responsible for most of the infections in infants. The study showed that infants have more chances of catching infections from their siblings. On Monday, the study was published online in the journal Pediatrics.

The study also suggested how children could be protected from these infections. As per government data, the infection shift from mothers to siblings is a result of rise in whopping cough among school-age children.

Last month, there were reports of seven cases in Merced County, but health officials look upon this as low as compared to the rest of the area. The research also revealed the effect of whopping cough on infants, particularly those who are 2-month-old, or younger. It said that this could lead to severe infection and even death.

According to lead author Tami Skoff, a researcher at the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Vaccination rates are high for U. S. children and teens. The shots provide good protection for a few years, and although effectiveness tends to wear off, kids should continue to get vaccinated".

As per health experts, any person in close contact with an infant is also needed to be vaccinated. Siblings, parents and even pregnant women are included in those persons to protect the infant prior to the birth. The study consisted of research data from 2006 to 2013 and also included 1,306 infants from a number of states.