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.