Kentucky measles cases rise to 24 as outbreak expands to new county

August 24, 2026 - 04:37

The Kentucky Department for Public Health said the new cases are linked to the same outbreak that has been under investigation for weeks. Most of the infected people are children, and a majority of them were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status. Officials have not named the new county, but they did say it borders areas where earlier cases were reported.

This is the largest measles outbreak Kentucky has seen in years. For context, the entire state reported only a handful of cases over the past decade. The current surge is part of a broader national trend, with outbreaks popping up in several states, including Texas and Ohio, driven largely by gaps in vaccination coverage.

Health officials are urging families to check their immunization records and get the MMR vaccine if they are not up to date. The vaccine is highly effective, with two doses providing about 97 percent protection. Measles is extremely contagious, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.

Symptoms usually start with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes, followed by a telltale rash that spreads from the face down. Complications can be severe, especially for young children, including pneumonia and brain swelling. The state is working with local health departments to trace contacts and offer vaccines at no cost in affected areas.

Officials say the outbreak is not under control yet, and more cases are likely in the coming days. They are asking anyone with symptoms to call ahead before visiting a clinic or hospital so staff can take precautions to avoid spreading the virus to others.