Measles case confirmed in Kentucky amid virus outbreak in U.S.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services said a Frankfort resident recently traveled internationally to an area with an ongoing measles outbreak and returned home while still infectious, even visiting a Planet Fitness location.
In a news release, officials said they are working to identify and contact anyone who may have been exposed to the virus. The last confirmed case of measles in Kentucky was in 2023.
Measles − a highly contagious respiratory virus known to cause serious health complications in young children − is an airborne illness that can survive up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, officials said.
Early symptoms typically begin eight to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and watery eyes.
'Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,' Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack said in a release. 'Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.'
Kentucky isn't the first state to have a case of measles this year. More than 100 people were infected in a fast-growing measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico, USA TODAY reported, including a child who succumbed to the virus in the first measles death in the U.S. since 2015.
Officials say anyone exposed to the virus but who has not been vaccinated should quarantine for 12 days after exposure and immediately contact a doctor once symptoms develop.
'If you have been exposed to measles (and) are going to see a health care practitioner, it is important to call the facility to make them aware of your measles exposure and symptoms prior to entering so that others are not exposed,' Stack said.
More information about measles can be found at the Kentucky Department for Public Health's website or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Measles confirmed in Kentucky amid outbreaks of virus in U.S.
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