Kentucky measles cases nearly double in less than 3 weeks as outbreak continues
By Jennifer Osting
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LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — Kentucky’s measles outbreak has nearly doubled in size in less than three weeks, with 94 confirmed cases now reported across the state so far this year.
The latest data from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services shows that those 94 cases are spread across a total of 11 counties.
That’s up from 50 cases spread across 10 counties in mid-September.
Hospitalizations have more than doubled, increasing from three to seven, but no deaths have been reported.
Until now, all confirmed cases involved people who were unvaccinated against measles.
Two cases have since been confirmed among vaccinated individuals: one in a person who received a single dose of the MMR vaccine and another in a person who was fully vaccinated.
Christian County continues to have the most cases.
Its total has more than doubled, rising from 20 in mid-September to 44.
Trigg County has also seen a sharp increase, with cases climbing from eight to 23, nearly triple the number it had last month.
The outbreak has now also spread into Carroll County, where five new cases are being reported.
Health officials say additional cases and exposures are still being investigated.
Those who might have been exposed to measles are encouraged to check their vaccine records and make sure they are protected.
Kentuckians can access their vaccination records through the Kentucky Immunization Registry’s public portal.
If you think you may have measles, you’re encouraged to call your health care provider before immediately going to a doctor’s office or emergency room so staff can take precautions to prevent the virus from spreading.
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