Kentucky Measles Cases Reach 201
This photo from the CDC shows the rash associated with measles. Photo credit: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/photos.html
Staff Report
As of October 29, Kentucky’s current measles outbreak has grown to 201 confirmed cases, up from 170 the previous week, with increases reported in two counties, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
The Oct. 29 state measles dashboard shows confirmed cases in 13 counties: Bath (15), Christian (65), Barren (5), Caldwell (7), Carroll (5), Jessamine (4), Laurel (56), Lewis (2), Owen (2), Todd (3), Trigg (31), Trimble (1), and Washington (5).
Four cases were reported earlier this year in Jessamine County, but are not included in the current outbreak; they are in the totals for the year.
The number of hospitalizations is now at 11, increasing by one from the previous period. There have been no deaths reported.
Measles cases by age group are: 5 years and under – 23, 5 to 17 years – 84, and 18 years and up – 94.
According to the dashboard, all but two of the 201 cases involved people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. One individual had received one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while another had received the recommended two-dose series.
Health officials continue to urge Kentuckians to ensure they are vaccinated against measles. The two-dose MMR vaccine is typically administered to children at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years old, but it can be given at any age.
Early symptoms of measles generally begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads down the body. Koplik spots (tiny white spots inside the mouth) can appear 2 to 3 days after symptoms begin.
Measles is highly contagious. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe. If you are concerned about possible exposure, call your health care provider or local health department for guidance. Anyone who has measles should contact a health care provider from home and stay away from others until symptoms have resolved.
Kentucky’s outbreak comes as measles cases continue to rise nationwide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4,852 cases had been reported across the United States in 2026 as of Oct. 29. That is more than double the 2,289 cases confirmed during all of 2025.
Health officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to check their immunization records and confirm they are protected against measles.
Kentucky residents can access their recorded immunization records through the Kentucky Immunization Registry Public Portal at chfs.ky.gov/KDPHMyVaxRecord.
