Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known to humans, according to health experts. In Kentucky, most of the cases are people under 18 years old.


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The measles virus was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, yet a recent resurgence in Kentucky has health officials urging vaccination and awareness.

On Monday the major outbreak in Texas, that infected more than 700 people and claimed the lives of two unvaccinated school-aged children, was officially declared over. State health officials made the announcement based on a timeframe of 42 days without a new case. Experts estimate it could be up to 42 days between exposure and sickness.

The Texas outbreak began in late January with a cluster of cases reported in western Texas near Gaines County, close to the border with New Mexico, which had one of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. The virus proved its infectious nature by spreading beyond Texas borders, contributing to cases in New Mexico where another unvaccinated individual died after contracting measles.

Kentucky has gone 21 days without a new case

Meanwhile, Kentucky has been managing its own measles challenges throughout 2025. A total of 14 cases of measles have been reported in Kentucky this year, with cases reported in Fayette, Woodford, Jefferson, Franklin, and Todd counties.

There are nine total cases connected with an outbreak in Woodford and Fayette counties, the last of which was identified on July 8th. Additionally, Jefferson County experienced two related cases, with the second case announced on July 28 following known exposure to the first case.

According to the state health department, the Jefferson County cases have been quarantined since exposure and they do not expect any additional cases to be reported in connection to the two first.

Here's where it's troubling...

Kentucky's data reveals concerning patterns about vaccination status. Of the 14 cases, 13 were unvaccinated with only one case reported in someone who had received one MMR dose. Notably, 12 of the 14 cases occurred in individuals 18 years and under, highlighting the particular vulnerability of children to this disease.

Data provided by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services

So what do you do with this information?

Health experts say the only thing you can do is get vaccinated, and make sure your children are vaccinated. According to the CDC, two doses of the measles vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles if exposed to the virus. One dose is about 93% effective.

There is no "booster" requirement for this virus. If you received a vaccination as a child, health experts say you should be protected for the rest of your life.

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