FRANKFORT, Ky. (WAVE) – State health officials are investigating a confirmed and ongoing outbreak of measles across multiple Kentucky counties.
As of Monday, Aug. 17, confirmed measles cases have been found in Christian, Todd, Trigg and Washington Counties. Officials say that the outbreak has resulted in at least two hospitalizations.
The virus that causes the measles rash is highly contagious and can have serious secondary complications that include permanent health issues, damage or death. These complications can happen in 30 to 40% of cases, according to the World Health Organization. In 2024, a reported 95,000 people died from measles around the world.
“Vaccination is the best protection from measles,” KDPH said in a public statement. “The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and widely available in Kentucky.”
Health officials urge residents to check their immunization status and get the MMR vaccine if their immunity has lapsed or they have not previously received the vaccine.
To receive the MMR vaccine, residents should contact their primary care physician, a local health care provider, or their county health department.
The state health department publishes updated county-by-county case counts every weekday morning on its official website.
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