This story has been updated.
After reporting one case of measles in Christian County on Aug. 13 and warning of a suspected outbreak in the area, state officials have now confirmed there are 10 cases of measles in the county.
The update issued on Monday included confirmation that two people have been hospitalized with measles, according to a report the Christian County Health Department shared from the Kentucky Department of Public Health. The condition of the hospitalized patients was not provided.
As of Monday, there were 17 measles cases total in Kentucky, according to the state dashboard. In addition to the 10 cases in Christian County there were four in Jessamine County and one each in Todd, Trigg and Washington counties.
The ages of the Kentucky individuals with measles are five who are age 4 and younger, nine who are ages 5 to 17 and three who are 18 or older.
All 17 were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown, according to state officials.
In a press release issued last week from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, a state official said the first case in Christian County was an individual “…believed to have been exposed through contact with an out-of-state visitor from a community with an ongoing measles outbreak. Additional unconfirmed reports of measles in Christian County have led health officials to suspect a wider outbreak in the area.”
Devin Brumfield, director of the Christian County Health Department, said the local agency is working with the “Kentucky Department for Public Health and local partners to identify potential exposures, notify those who may be at risk and provide appropriate guidance.”
Measles, a contagious respiratory virus, is spread through the air.
“Early symptoms of measles begin [eight] to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose and red/watery eyes,” the release states.
A rash typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin. It usually begins on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
“We encourage residents to review their vaccination status for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR vaccine) and to contact CCHD or their healthcare provider with potential concerns,” Brumfield said. “We will continue to share information as it comes available while respecting patient privacy.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children receive the first dose of a measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 to 15 months. The second dose is recommended at 4 to 6 years. The two doses are 97% effective against measles, according to health experts.
The Kentucky Department of Public Health dashboard updates case counts daily. It is available here.
“Measles is a serious, debilitating and sometimes life-threatening disease,” said Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “Fortunately, measles is almost entirely preventable for those who have been vaccinated with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. We urge all parents and caregivers to talk to their healthcare providers about their child’s immunizations and how best to keep their families healthy.”
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
