STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Kentucky health officials say the state is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years, and five of the reported cases are in Barren County.
According to state data, Kentucky has recorded 44 measles cases as of Wednesday morning, with three of those patients having been hospitalized.
All 44 cases are in individuals who are either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown, according to state health officials.
Health leaders are strongly encouraging people across the state to get vaccinated.
Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said the measles vaccine is entirely safe and has been used for decades with great effect.
He is encouraging everyone to make sure they are current on their measles and other immunizations.
The standard measles vaccination series is typically given to children at 12 to 15 months and again at 4 to 6 years old.
However, health officials say people of any age can receive the vaccine.
Doctors describe measles as a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air.
Early symptoms can include fever, cough, red watery eyes and a runny nose.
Officials say those symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after someone is exposed to the virus.
A distinctive rash usually appears three to five days after the early symptoms begin and often starts on the face before spreading down the body.
Health experts note that some people with measles also develop serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.
Although severe cases are rare, measles can cause swelling of the brain and can be deadly in some cases.
People at higher risk for severe illness and complications from measles include infants and children younger than 5, adults older than 20, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.
Officials say measles is one of the most contagious diseases and that the virus can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an infected person leaves.
Infected people can spread measles to others before they have any symptoms and for up to four days before the rash appears.
Health officials urge anyone who believes they have been exposed to measles to contact their health care provider or local health department right away.
Providers can help determine if a person is immune based on vaccination records, age or laboratory testing.
Officials say that if a person is not immune, the MMR vaccine or a medicine called immune globulin may help reduce the risk of developing measles after exposure.
Key Facts
• Kentucky is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in 35 years.
• State officials report 44 measles cases as of Wednesday morning.
• Three patients have been hospitalized.
• All known cases are unvaccinated or have unknown vaccination status.
• Five measles cases have been reported in Barren County.
• Health leaders strongly urge residents to get vaccinated.
• Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air.
• Early symptoms can appear up to 14 days after exposure.
• A rash typically appears three to five days after early symptoms.
• People at high risk include young children, older adults, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
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