News Summary
The measles outbreak that began in Woodford County has spread to Fayette County, increasing Kentucky’s total cases to five. Public health officials are tracing contacts of infected individuals, and vaccination is highly encouraged as only 86.9% of kindergarteners are immunized.
Lexington, Kentucky — The measles outbreak that initiated in Woodford County has now extended into neighboring Fayette County, with public health officials confirming this development on June 30, 2025. Currently, Kentucky’s total measles cases stand at five, with four cases linked to Woodford County, and one isolated case reported in Todd County.
Dr. Steve Davis, medical director for the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department, has confirmed there is at least one active measles case in Fayette County. The exposure in this area has been described as limited, and health officials have successfully traced contacts of the infected individuals. Those who were potentially exposed are currently self-isolating at home for a duration of approximately two weeks. Dr. Davis has encouraged anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to reach out to the health department or their healthcare provider for further guidance, with contact information available at 859-288-2372.
According to Kentucky Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack, the spread of measles in the state is “not surprising,” especially in light of an extensive nationwide outbreak. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported over 1,200 measles cases across the country this year, marking the largest outbreak since the year 2000.
In the preceding week alone, four new measles cases emerged in Kentucky, three of which were from the same household in Woodford County, with no individuals in that case being vaccinated against measles. The very first confirmed instance of measles in the state for 2025 was recorded in February, involving an adult from Franklin County who had traveled abroad. In March, another case was identified concerning a child who was in Kentucky seeking medical treatment.
Measles is recognized as a highly contagious disease, with the ability to infect 90% of unprotected individuals upon exposure. The virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, posing significant risks, especially for pregnant women and unvaccinated children. Severe complications from measles may include brain swelling and pneumonia, which can lead to serious health concerns. The telltale measles rash typically starts on the face and progressively spreads to the chest, back, and feet, emerging three to five days after initial symptoms, which usually surface 10 to 14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and inflamed eyes.
Health officials are reiterating the critical importance of vaccination as the most effective method for preventing measles. Immunization rates among kindergarteners in Kentucky have notably dropped to 86.9%, falling below the national average of 93%. The measles vaccine is commonly administered in combination with mumps and rubella vaccines (MMR), with the first dose recommended around 12-15 months of age, followed by a second dose between ages 4-6. For adults concerned about waning immunity, the CDC advises that it is safe to receive additional MMR doses.
The CDC has noted that several recent measles cases across the United States can be attributed to unvaccinated individuals returning from overseas. Other states facing measles outbreaks in 2025 include Alaska, Arkansas, California, and Florida, among others. Reports reveal that many of these cases trace back to individuals contracting the virus outside of the country.
As the situation evolves, public health officials in Kentucky are urging the community to remain vigilant, prioritize vaccination, and follow guidelines to protect themselves and others from measles.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT News
- Wikipedia: Measles
- WDRB News
- Google Search: measles outbreak kentucky
- Kentucky Lantern
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- Paducah Sun
- Google News: measles outbreak kentucky
