4 new cases of measles reported in Kentucky, health officials say

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — Four new cases of measles were announced in Kentucky on Friday by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

In a news release on June 27, Kentucky health officials said three cases were from one Woodford County household, with the fourth in Todd County involving an international traveler who was exposed to the virus.

These four cases bring the total number of measles cases in Kentucky to six, cabinet leaders said. Experts are working to identify others in the state who may have exposed those who were infected while contagious.

“Measles is a serious disease,” said Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr.
Steven Stack. “Fortunately, people can avoid measles through safe and effective vaccinations.
We urge all parents to have their children vaccinated to ensure they are protected from
preventable diseases like measles.”

Officials said the 2025 outbreak has been the largest in the nation since measles was declared
eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.

Measles facts and symptoms

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services wrote that early symptoms of measles begin eight to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. The characteristic symptom is a rash that typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin, usually on the face before spreading down to the rest of the body. The virus is highly contagious and can cause serious health complications in children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been over 1,200 reported cases in the US so far in 2025.