Lexington, Kentucky, January 17, 2026
Health officials have confirmed a new case of measles in Jessamine County, Kentucky, connected to an unvaccinated traveler from out of state. The traveler visited Lexington between December 31 and January 2, triggering health alerts from local authorities. Symptoms of measles, a highly contagious virus, can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and urge the community to stay vigilant regarding symptoms.
Measles Case Traced to Traveler in Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky – Health officials have confirmed a measles case in Jessamine County, Kentucky, tied to an out-of-state traveler who was in Lexington from December 31, 2025, to January 2, 2026. The traveler, who is unvaccinated, stayed at the Hyatt Place hotel in Hamburg and dined at the Panera Bread in the area during their visit. As a result, community alerts were issued by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department on January 9, 2026. The individual is currently receiving medical care, and officials are investigating any further exposures. This incident marks the first confirmed measles case in Kentucky since July 2025.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can result in severe health complications, particularly for young children. Symptoms typically emerge between 7 to 21 days following exposure, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. Health authorities stress the importance of vaccination as the best preventive measure against measles and encourage the public to verify that they are up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children. Symptoms typically appear 7 to 21 days after exposure and include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.
What should I do if I was exposed to measles?
If you were at the Hyatt Place hotel in Hamburg or Panera Bread in the Hamburg area between December 31, 2025, and January 2, 2026, monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. If symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Unvaccinated individuals who may have been exposed should contact their healthcare provider to discuss vaccination options.
How can I protect myself from measles?
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Ensure you are up to date with your vaccinations. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and provides long-term immunity against measles.
Key Features of the Measles Case in Jessamine County, Kentucky
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jessamine County, Kentucky |
| Exposure Period | December 31, 2025 – January 2, 2026 |
| Infected Individual | Unvaccinated resident |
| Exposure Sites | Hyatt Place hotel in Hamburg, Panera Bread in the Hamburg area |
| Health Department Alert Date | January 9, 2026 |
| First Confirmed Case Since | July 2025 |
| Recommended Action | Monitor for symptoms; contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop |
| Vaccination Recommendation | Ensure up-to-date MMR vaccination |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
