Measles infections on the rise as Kentucky reports first case since 2023

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A disease once declared eliminated by the United States is now on the comeback as Kentucky has seen its first case in two years.

Measles cases have now been reported in 12 different states including Kentucky. In late February, the Kentucky Department of Public Health confirmed a single case of measles, and sent a health alert to the rest of the state. This case is one of 222 reported cases across the country. For comparison, 2024 saw 285 total cases. While Kentucky only has one case so far, doctors say a disturbing trend has been taking hold.

Vaccination numbers are slowly declining in Kentucky as some parents refuse the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for their children. However, doctors say the MMR vaccine is crucial to protecting our children from measles.

“Vaccination prevents measles by around 97% to 98%. First dose, 93%. Patients are immune and the second dose, 97% if you look at the data. So the first dose is given at age one and the second dose is given at four. So if you look at our data, like if you look at the kindergarten pediatric data, the vaccination rates have continuously gone down,” said Dr. Suman Sheker with Med Center Health.

This was not the case 25 years ago as the United States declared measles eliminated in the year 2000.

So far, 94% of those who have gotten measles this year are either unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status, according to the CDC. Doctors recommend giving your child the MMR vaccine as soon as they can receive it at 1 year old. Signs to look out for are a rash behind the ear or on the forehead and a fever. If you suspect your child may have measles, doctors say to seek immediate medical attention.

To see the CDC’s data on measles cases this year, click here. To see the Kentucky Department of Public Health’s health alert, click here.