Norton Children’s Hospital comments on measles outbreak

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – After the first case of measles reported in Kentucky this year was found in Frankfort, officials want to warn the public of the dangers of this disease.

Measles is a highly contagious and viral illness that can lead to fever, cough, congestion, runny nose and watery eyes among other symptoms.

Those under the age of five are susceptible to severe measles, which can cause bacterial infections and dehydration.

One of the most important ways to fight the spread of measles is to get vaccinated, and officials with Norton Children’s Hospital say the most important thing parents can do is stay up to date on vaccines.

“Parents should know if their kids are up to date with measles vaccines… and if they’re not up to date, then it’s important for them to make an appointment with the pediatrician to become up to date. Parents don’t need to be worried. They just need to get their kids vaccinated so they can be protected,” Dr. Kris Bryant, a Pediatric Infectious Diseases Specialist with Norton Children’s Hospital, says.

Dr. Bryant also adds the best age to get measles vaccines for your children is between 12 to 15 months old, then again at 4 to 6 years old.