Kentucky measles outbreak climbs to 167 cases, nearly all in unvaccinated people
– 2 min read
State health officials say the outbreak is concentrated in close-knit, under-vaccinated communities.
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Kentucky has confirmed 167 measles cases this year, with 10 hospitalizations and no deaths, according to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ dashboard, updated Thursday morning.
State health officials say the outbreak is concentrated in close-knit, under-vaccinated communities across several counties.
A newer outbreak in Laurel County began in late August and is now sending the state's total count up. It involves unvaccinated people from several large households that have remained isolated from the broader community. Officials say no public exposures tied to the Laurel County outbreak have been identified so far.
Nearly every case involves someone who is unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. The dashboard lists 165 of the 167 cases in that category. One person had received a single MMR dose, and one had received two or more.
Children and teens account for more than half of the cases:
- Under 5: 17 cases
- 5 to 17: 74 cases
- 18 and older: 76 cases
Two counties account for most of the cases. Laurel County has 56 and Christian County has 51. The data also shows Trigg County in western Kentucky with 29 cases. Barren, Caldwell and Carroll counties each have five, Jessamine has four, and Bath has one. Other counties have between one and two.
Measles is a disease caused by a highly contagious virus. People with measles spread the virus through the air when they cough, sneeze, or breathe. Symptoms of measles include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and rash.
You can check out the state's measles dashboard to see all available data on the disease in Kentucky.
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Shay McAlister is an award-winning journalist and founder of Shay Informed. After a decade as a reporter and anchor, she launched her ad-free, subscription-based outlet in 2025 to focus on accountability journalism and victim-centric reporting.
