CITIZEN STAFF REPORT
FRANKFORT— Kentucky health officials reported four new cases of measles this week, bringing the state’s total to six confirmed infections so far this year, as national outbreaks continue to climb.
Three of the new cases occurred in a single household in Woodford County. The fourth case, in Todd County, involved an individual who was exposed during international travel and has no known connection to the others, the Kentucky Department for Public Health said Friday.
None of the individuals had been vaccinated, state officials confirmed.
The department is working to trace potential contacts who may have been exposed while the individuals were contagious. The cases come amid the largest U.S. measles outbreak since the disease was declared eliminated nationwide in 2000. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 cases have been confirmed in the United States this year, with several significant outbreaks in other states.
In light of the growing numbers, health officials are emphasizing the importance of vaccination.
“Measles is a serious disease,” said Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “Fortunately, people can avoid measles through safe and effective vaccinations. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles.”
A highly contagious airborne virus, measles can linger in the air for up to two hours. It poses the greatest risk to young children and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms typically appear 8 to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A distinct rash often develops several days later, initially appearing on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.
The measles vaccine is administered as part of the combined MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine. The first dose is recommended for children between 12 and 15 months of age. A second dose is recommended between ages 4 and 6. According to the CDC, two doses are 97% effective at preventing measles.
Despite the vaccine’s efficacy, Kentucky’s immunization rate has declined. State data show that only 86.9% of kindergartners were fully vaccinated against measles during the 2024–2025 school year, which is well below the national average of 93% and below the threshold typically required for herd immunity.
Kentucky reported its first measles case of the year in February, involving an adult. A second case, identified in March, involved a child traveling through the state.
In light of the rising case numbers nationwide, the CDC has issued a travel advisory urging Americans traveling abroad to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.