Department of Public Health Confirms Measles Outbreak in Kentucky
Officials said all 13 confirmed cases are among unvaccinated people or those with unknown status as investigators trace additional exposures.
- On Monday, the Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed an ongoing measles outbreak with 17 total cases this year, including 13 identified since August 13 across Christian, Todd, Trigg, and Washington counties.
- While the state reports more than 70% of 6-year-olds are fully vaccinated, Christian County's rate remains significantly lower at 56.7%, creating vulnerability to the highly contagious respiratory virus.
- Officials reported two hospitalizations from the disease, while the MMR vaccine is about 97% effective at preventing measles when administered in two doses, according to health guidance.
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack urged parents to ensure children are immunized, calling this "the largest measles outbreak Kentucky has experienced in many years."
- This outbreak occurs as national measles cases reach a 30-year high, following recent executive actions by President Donald Trump aimed at changing childhood vaccine recommendations and separating the MMR shots.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Kentucky has a measles outbreak, most cases in decades
Health officials urge Kentuckians to talk to their health care provider about getting the the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.(Getty Images)Kentucky has a measles outbreak, according to the state’s Department for Public Health. The state confirmed 15 cases in Christian, Owen, Todd, Trigg, and Washington Counties in the last four days, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services said Tuesday. “Working with local health departments, the K…
With 10 confirmed cases of measles in Christian County and more in Trigg, Todd, outbreak declared
Less than a week after the Kentucky Department for Public Health confirmed a case of measles in Christian County, they have now confirmed even more cases, with an outbreak now certain. In an update Monday, the Department for Public Health clarified that there are now 10 confirmed cases of measles in Christian County, though they do not detail where exactly that outbreak is located. With new measles cases also confirmed in Trigg, Todd and Washing…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
