LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department has identified a potential measles case exposure involving an unvaccinated out-of-state traveler who visited two local establishments, according to an alert issued Thursday.

The traveler stayed at the Hyatt Place in Hamburg from December 31, 2025, through January 2, 2026, and dined at Hamburg Panera on January 1. Health officials are warning anyone who may have been at these locations during those dates to monitor for symptoms.

Measles typically causes high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash. Fevers may spike above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, with a rash developing three to five days after symptoms begin. The illness usually resolves within seven to 10 days, though symptoms may appear seven to 21 days after exposure.

The disease poses significant health risks. According to health department information, approximately one in five people in the United States who contract measles will require hospitalization. The virus can lead to serious complications, including brain swelling that may cause permanent brain damage. Between one and three in every 1,000 people with measles will die, even with optimal medical care. Children younger than 5 years old face the highest vulnerability, but unvaccinated individuals of any age are at risk.

Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, remaining contagious for up to two hours after the person leaves a room.

The measles-mumps-rubella vaccine provides the best protection against the disease. Unvaccinated individuals who received their first dose of MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure may return to childcare, school or work. Those without vaccination must quarantine through day 21 after their most recent exposure.

Health officials urge anyone developing fever of 101 degrees or higher, cough, runny nose or red eyes, with or without a rash, to contact their primary care practitioner immediately. For more information, residents can call the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department at 859-899-5222 or visit the CDC measles information page.