5 cases of measles reported in Barren County

STAFF REPORT by Glasgow News 1

BARREN COUNTY, Ky. (Glasgow News 1) – Five cases of measles have been reported in Barren County, according to a report by Glasgow News 1.

Glasgow News 1 states health leaders are encouraging Kentuckians to get vaccinated amid an ongoing outbreak across multiple states.

The report says one of those health professionals is Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, who said the vaccine is “entirely safe and has been used for decades with great effect.”

According to the report, an average measles vaccination series is done for children 12 to 15 months old and again at 4 to 6 years old.

However, Glasgow News 1 says health officials say all ages can receive vaccination against the virus.

According to the report, health officials say measles is high contagious and spreads through the air.

For those affected, the report says early symptoms may include a “fever, cough, red, watery eyes and a runny nose.” The report says symptoms may not appear until up to two weeks after exposure.

In addition, the report says a rash normally is visible three to five days after early symptoms show, and doctors warn measles can develop into serious lung infections or swelling of the brain or death.

Infants and children under 5 are at a higher risk for severe illness and complications, as well as adults older than 20, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, according to Glasgow News 1.

According to the report, measles can live up to two hours in the air and can spread before an infected person has symptoms.

If someone believes they may have been exposed, they are encouraged to contact a health care provider or their area health department.