Kentucky
Kentucky health officials confirm first measles case of 2026
What to know about measles symptoms as it spreads across US
Measles often appears in two stages. If you or your child develops these symptoms, especially with recent travel or exposure, contact your health care provider immediately.
A Jessamine County resident has tested positive for the measles, marking Kentucky’s first confirmed case of 2026, according to a Jan. 15 release from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.
The resident was exposed after an infectious out-of-state traveler visited Fayette County between Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 2, according to the release. The community exposure prompted an announcement from the Kentucky Department of Public Health that encouraged residents to check their vaccination status, monitor symptoms and avoid high-risk areas.
Kentucky’s last confirmed measles case was in July 2025. The Jessamine County case has prompted public health officials to investigate additional community exposures and contact individuals believed to have been exposed. According to the release, the risk to the broader public remains low.
“People who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after potential exposure,” Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner John Langefeld said. “Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and rash. If you believe that you have been exposed to measles and you have symptoms, please call your health care provider.”
Both the infected resident and out-of-state traveler are unvaccinated, according to the release. Kentucky’s measles vaccination rate among children is lower than the national average by about 6%, according to data from the 2024-2025 school year. Kentucky health officials argue the best way to protect against measles is through the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.
“Measles is a serious and contagious virus that has seen a resurgence in recent years,” Health and Family Services Secretary Steven Stack said. “We continue to urge families to take these risks seriously and to protect themselves and their communities by getting the (MMR) vaccine.”
Receiving two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective against measles, according to the release. While the two-dose vaccine is typically administered to children, people of any age can contact an official about receiving the vaccine.
Information about measles and public exposures can be found on the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s website.
COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – The Licking River Bridge was demolished Monday morning in a controlled blast, clearing the way for a replacement structure.
Authorities established a 1,000-foot safety perimeter, closed nearby roads and asked residents to shelter in place before the demolition. The bridge collapsed within seconds of the blast.
“Today we say goodbye to a bridge that has served Kentuckians for nearly a century and we make room for something new. A signature bridge that is safer, stronger and we make room for something new,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This region, like the rest of the commonwealth, is evolving, it is booming, it’s economy growing every day. What we’re doing together is building our new Kentucky home.”
The Licking River Bridge is now history after crews brought it down with a controlled demolition Monday morning. (WKRC)
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Crews will begin construction on the new bridge after debris removal is complete. The replacement bridge is expected to open in the summer of 2028.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, March 1, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
03-07-16-32, Cash Ball: 25
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 4-5-5
Midday: 3-1-4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 3-8-0-2
Midday: 6-2-3-9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Kentucky State Police is investigating after a Shepherdsville woman died Feb. 28 in a two-vehicle crash in Bullitt County.
A preliminary investigation shows the crash, which occurred at 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of KY 44 East and Watergate Drive, began when the passenger-side tires of a Toyota Tacoma heading westbound on KY 44 East dropped off the right side of the roadway and onto a steep shoulder, Master Trooper Bryan Washer said in a statement March 1.
The teenage driver “overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline into the eastbound lane and into the path of a Ford Escape.”
Due to a head-on collision, the Ford Escape went down a small embankment and overturned on its roof before coming to rest, Washer said. The driver of the Ford Escape, Sarah Weisman, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bullitt County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured from the crash.
Trooper Scott Wheatley and Detective Brad Holloman of the State Police conducted the initial investigation into the crash, Washer said. Holloman continues to investigate.
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
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