The Kentucky Department for Public Health has confirmed an unvaccinated resident of Jessamine County has tested positive for measles, marking the first case in the state since July 2025.
The individual was exposed when an out-of-state traveler visited Fayette County between Dec. 31, 2025, and Jan. 2, 2026. This case is separate from recent measles exposures in Grant County from Dec. 28–30, 2025, linked to a different traveler.
Public health officials are now investigating potential community exposures from the Jessamine County case.
“Measles is a serious and contagious virus that has seen a resurgence in recent years,” said Dr. Steven Stack, Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. “We continue to urge families to take these risks seriously and to protect themselves and their communities by getting the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”
Residents who may have been exposed are advised to monitor for symptoms—including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash—for 21 days. Anyone showing symptoms after potential exposure should contact their healthcare provider.
Measles spreads through the air and can remain infectious for up to 2 hours. Health officials say the MMR vaccine provides the best protection, with two doses being 97% effective. Preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick are also recommended.
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