Measles outbreak: more cases expected, almost entirely preventable with 2 doses of vaccine
Kentucky health officials are urging Kentuckians to get vaccinated against measles as the state experiences more confirmed cases of measles in 2026 than in any year since 1991.
“This is the largest measles outbreak Kentucky has experienced in many years,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “Measles is almost entirely preventable for those who have had two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and we urge all parents and caregivers to make sure their children are immunized, so they are protected against this serious, sometimes life-threatening illness.”
As of Aug. 24, the state has confirmed 20 cases of measles in the current outbreak in Western and Central Kentucky on its measles dashboard, which is updated weekly. Those cases are in Caldwell (1 case); Christian (10); Owen (1); Todd (1); Trigg (2); and Washington (5) counties. Two people have been hospitalized.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health expects case numbers and counties with the outbreak to increase, according to a press release issued last week.
Four cases of measles were reported earlier this year in Jessamine County. All of the cases in 2026 have been in individuals who were not vaccinated against measles or whose vaccination status is unknown.
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.
Early symptoms of measles begin 8 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.
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.
Some adults may need a second dose of MMR vaccine if they only received one previously or are uncertain of their vaccination status. This includes those traveling outside of the United States or those working in healthcare.