CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – As of Sept. 15, the number of confirmed measles cases in Christian County continue to be the highest centralized location in the state, according to Kentucky measles case data. 20 local residents have contracted measles in the past month, rising from 14 confirmed cases just two weeks ago.
The outbreak was first announced by the Christian County Health Department on Aug. 13, with cases quickly spreading to surrounding counties. There are currently 48 confirmed cases in Kentucky across nine counties with five people hospitalized. The second highest to Christian County is Trigg County, which has eight cases.
In other areas of Kentucky, health officials have identified potential measles exposures at two health care facilities in Morehead, Kentucky. Addresses and specific dates and times of possible measles exposures are available on the Kentucky Department for Public health website.
The individual at the start of the outbreak in Christian County was not vaccinated against measles and is believed to have been exposed through contact with an out-of-state visitor from a community with an ongoing measles outbreak.
Early symptoms of measles begin 8 to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red/watery eyes. The characteristic measles rash typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin, usually on the face before spreading down to the rest of the body.
Find vaccine information and more about the measles on the Christian County Health Department website.
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