4 total measles cases confirmed in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Health officials say four cases of measles have been reported in Kentucky this week.

According to a release Friday by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, three cases are from the same household in Woodford County, while one case involves an unrelated case in Todd County.

Health officials say the case in Todd County involves an adult that traveled internationally. The release additionally says all four of those infected were not vaccinated against measles.

At this time, officials say they are working to identify others who may have been exposed.

RELATED: Todd County Health Department announces measles case in Todd County

The cases are reported as officials say the largest measles outbreak in the United States since 2000 is ongoing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,200 cases this year, including several large outbreaks in other states.

How measles spreads 

Health officials say measles is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications, especially in young children.

Measles is spread through the air and can remain suspended in the air for up to two hours, according to the release.

Symptoms 

Early symptoms are described by health officials as the following that begin eight to 12 days after exposure:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red/water eyes

The measles rash normally appears three to five days after symptoms start, health officials say, usually appearing on the face before spreading further to the rest of the body.

How to prevent the spread of measles

According to Friday’s release, the first dose of the measles vaccine is routinely administered in combination with the mumps and rubella vaccine, commonly known as the MMR vaccine.

Officials say children ages 12 months to 15 months typically get the first dose, while those ages 4 through 6 get the second dose.

Health officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles, according to the CDC.

The CDC also recently issued a travel advisory for anyone traveling outside of the United States to receive two doses of MMR vaccine if they have never had measles.

Recently, immunization rates among Kentucky’s kindergartners have declined, officials say.

To learn more about measles, you can visit the Cabinet for Health and Family Services website here.

Health officials say these cases bring the total number to six in Kentucky this year.