Are you vaccinated against measles? Check immunizations after outbreak

KENTUCKY-The State Department of Health announced a case of measles in Jessamine County. 

“Measles is so rare these days that one case can actually be considered an outbreak,” said Norton Children’s Infectious Disease Dr. Kris Bryant. 

This individual had attended the large revival at Asbury University on February 18.

“It is very contagious. So if ten people who are susceptible to measles are in a room and they’re exposed to someone with measles, nine of them will get sick,” said Dr. Bryant. 

This is the third case of measles in Kentucky in just the past month. 

“Suspicions for measles should be heightened at this time among unvaccinated people,” said Barren River Health District Registered Nurse Sharon Ray. 

Doctors say the only way to prevent the spread is being vaccinated- they tell us the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. 

“93% effective after the first dose, 97% effective after the second dose, we start vaccinating kids after one year of age. The second vaccine is usually at four years of age,” said Med Center Health Dr. Suman Shekar, M.D. FACP. 

But Kentuckians are behind on vaccines. 

“Less than 90% of our kindergarteners are protected against measles,” said Dr. Bryant. 

This is due to several factors: the pandemic disrupted routine healthcare, and because cases of measles have decreased over the years. But this situation should be a wake up call to check if you’re up to date on vaccines. 

“if the child is unvaccinated and if the child gets measles, it can be really bad. The child will need hospitalization and care,” said Dr. Shekar. 

Measles are the most dangerous for the unvaccinated, pregnant women and the immunocompromised.