A Kentucky adult who recently traveled internationally to an area with high transmission of the measles has a confirmed case of it, according to officials with the Kentucky Department of Public Health and the Franklin County Health Department.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack. “Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.”
Measles is a highly contagious, airborne virus whose symptom profile includes a characteristic rash that appears between three to five days of symptoms beginning. Other symptoms include a high fever, a cough, a runny nose, as well as inflamed and watery eyes. Symptoms typically appear between eight to 12 days after exposure.
There have been 94 confirmed cases of measles nationwide, as of Feb. 21, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About half of the cases occurred in people aged 5 to 19 years. There were 285 confirmed cases last year. The last confirmed case in Kentucky occurred in February of 2023.
"Individuals who were exposed to the measles virus and are unvaccinated should quarantine for 21 days after their exposure and contact their health care provider immediately if they develop symptoms," according to an announcement from the Kentucky Department of Public Health.
“If you have been exposed to measles are going to see a health care practitioner, it is important to call the facility to make them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms prior to entering so that others are not exposed,” Stack said.
There have been three measles outbreaks, defined as three or more related cases, throughout the country so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Two of the outbreaks have occurred in Texas and New Mexico. Texas health officials announced on Wednesday that an unvaccinated child had died from the virus, the first measles related death since 2015.
If you have been exposed to the virus or you have symptoms, please contact you healthcare provider and make a report to the Northern Kentucky Health Department.