Measles outbreak confirmed in Western Kentucky
Kentucky public health officials announced Aug. 13 that a case of measles with a high number of community exposures has been confirmed in Christian County. Since then, a total of 13 cases have been confirmed.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) says the individual was not vaccinated against measles and is believed to have been exposed through contact with an out-of-state visitor from a community with an ongoing measles outbreak.
On Aug. 17, KDPH confirmed an ongoing measles outbreak on its website, saying, “multiple cases have been identified among individuals residing in several different counties, and additional cases and exposures are being investigated.”
The KDPH Measles Dashboard shows that as of Aug. 17, there have been 10 confirmed measles cases in Christian County, with one each in adjacent Todd and Trigg counties. The dashboard also reports one new case in Washington County.
This is the second measles outbreak in Kentucky this year, with the first involving four cases in Jessamine County in January. All of the 17 confirmed measles cases in Kentucky this year are among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccination status.
Christian County Health Department (CCHD) Director Devin Brumfield said in the release that the health department’s staff is working closely with KDPH and local partners to “identify potential exposures, notify those who may be at risk, and provide appropriate guidance.”
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. Measles is spread through the air, where it can remain suspended for up to two hours.
“Fortunately, measles is almost entirely preventable for those who have been vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine,” Kentucky Health Secretary Dr. Steven Stack said in the release. “We urge all parents and caregivers to talk to their healthcare providers about their child’s immunizations and how best to keep their families healthy.”
The MMR vaccine series is typically given to children at 12 to 15 months and then at 4 to 6 years old, but people of any age can get the vaccine. Together, these two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts.
Early symptoms of measles begin eight to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes. The characteristic measles rash typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin, usually on the face before spreading down to the rest of the body.
“We encourage residents to review their vaccination status for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine) and to contact CCHD or their healthcare provider with potential concerns,” Brumfield said. “We will continue to share information as it comes available while respecting patient privacy.”
The outbreak comes as the United States is experiencing the largest measles outbreak since it was declared eliminated here in 2000. As of Aug. 14, the CDC reported more than 2,566 confirmed cases of measles across the country, the highest number of cases in a single year in 35 years.