LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) \u2014\u00a0A new case of measles was confirmed in Christian County, leading Kentucky health officials to suspect a wider outbreak in the area.<\/p>\n
According to a release from the Kentucky\u00a0Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the resident who tested positive was not vaccinated against measles.<\/p>\n
The department said they believe the person was exposed through contact with an out-of-state visitor who lives in a community with a measles outbreak.<\/p>\n
Because there are additional unconfirmed reports of measles in Christian County, health officials said they suspect a wider outbreak in the area.<\/p>\n
“Measles is a serious, debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease,” said Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “Fortunately, measles is almost entirely preventable for those who have been vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. We urge all parents and caregivers to talk to their healthcare providers about their child\u2019s immunizations and how best to keep their families healthy.”<\/p>\n
The Christian County Health Department is working with state officials to identify potential exposures and notify people who may be at risk.<\/p>\n
No known public exposure locations have been identified at this time.<\/p>\n
This is Kentucky’s first confirmed measles case since January, when four cases were identified in Jessamine County.<\/p>\n
Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus spreads through the air after someone infected coughs or sneezes. It can then linger for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.<\/p>\n
The virus can also be spread if someone touches surfaces that an infected person has touched. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by white spots that appear on the face and down the body. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles, according to health officials.<\/p>\n
As of Aug. 6, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had reported more than 2,465 confirmed cases across the country \u2014 the most in a single year in 35 years.<\/p>\n