Measles Outbreak Continues in KY; Vaccines Available for All Ages

Kentucky has confirmed 35 measles cases in its current outbreak as of Sept. 4, an increase from 28 cases reported a week earlier, according to the state’s measles dashboard.
The dashboard is updated daily, Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.
The cases are reported in Barren County, with five cases; Caldwell, with two; Christian, with 14; Owen, with two; Todd, with one; Trigg, with six; and Washington, with five. Three people have been hospitalized.
All cases, including four reported in Jessamine County earlier this year, involved people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown, according to the dashboard.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health also warned of a potential measles exposure in Richmond and Olive Hill after an unvaccinated out-of-state traveler visited multiple businesses on Aug. 24, Aug. 27 and Aug. 28. People who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after exposure.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, particularly in young children. It spreads through the air and can remain suspended for up to two hours. One infected person can infect nine out of 10 unprotected people nearby.

Early symptoms usually begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. The characteristic measles rash can appear three to five days after symptoms begin, typically on the face before spreading down the body.

The measles vaccination series is typically given to children at 12 to 15 months and again at ages 4 to 6, but people of any age can receive the vaccine.

Anyone concerned about possible exposure should call their health care provider or local health department for guidance. People who have measles should contact their provider from home and avoid others until their symptoms have resolved.