U.S. measles cases continue to climb, here's what the situation looks like in KY

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. has confirmed more than 1,500 cases so far this year, the highest annual number in more than 30 years.

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Communities across the United States are reporting an uptick in measles cases as the highly contagious disease continues to spread across the country. Right now, 150 unvaccinated school children in South Carolina are quarantining after being exposed to measles.

There are also large outbreaks being reported in Arizona and southwestern Utah, according to reporting by NPR.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known to humans. On average, an infected person will infect as many as 18 other unvaccinated people. A person with measles can emit infectious particles that linger in the air for up to two hours, long after they've left a room. That's why it's so highly transmissible.

What does it look like in Kentucky?

The Kentucky Department for Public Health has reported 14 total cases of measles in 2025. One of those cases came from an international visitor earlier this year, meaning only 13 cases have been reported in Kentucky residents.

In June of this year, Kentucky health officials confirmed a measles outbreak that started in Woodford County and spread to Fayette County. Four cases were connected to this outbreak.

There have been six cases reported in Fayette County, one in Franklin County, two in Jefferson County, one in Todd County, and three in Woodford County. The majority of the cases were reported in children between 5 and 17 years old.

“Measles can be very serious, but it is avoidable through vaccination. We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from preventable diseases like measles," Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack said in June of 2025.

Of the 13 confirmed cases in Kentucky residents in 2025, two people were hospitalized. There have been no deaths reported, according to the Measles Case Data kept by the Kentucky Department of Health.

The most recent case was reported in July.

Kentucky vaccination rates

According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, immunization rates among Kentucky’s kindergartners have declined.

Results from the most recent school immunization survey for the 2024-2025 school year revealed that only 86.9% of Kentucky kindergarteners are fully vaccinated against measles, which is lower than the national average of 93%.

Two doses of the MMR vaccine are required for school attendance in Kentucky.

The measles vaccine is widely considered incredibly safe and effective.

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