Four new cases of measles in Fayette County; eight now tied to Central KY outbreak

The measles outbreak in Central Kentucky is growing.

As of July 7, there were eight confirmed cases of the highly contagious measles virus connected to an outbreak in Woodford and Fayette counties, Lexington-Fayette County Health Department officials said Monday.

That includes four new cases in Fayette County, all of which are tied to the first Fayette County case. Those who got the virus were considered household contacts.

“These individuals have been under quarantine since the initial case was identified, and there is no known additional risk to the public from these cases,” health officials said in a Monday news release.

In addition to the Central Kentucky outbreak, an unrelated measles case was confirmed in Todd County on June 27.

In total, Kentucky has reported 11 measles cases in 2025.

The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department is continuing to respond to the outbreak.

The health department continues to work closely with the Kentucky Department for Public Health and other local partners to investigate cases, ensure appropriate quarantine protocols and notify those who may have been exposed.

In a previous Herald-Leader article, Kentucky Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack described the spread as “not surprising” given the wider measles outbreak across the country. This year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported more than 1,200 measles cases across multiple states.

The department is encouraging everyone to verify their vaccination status and ensure they are protected. The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent infection.

Adults born after 1957 should have documentation of at least one dose of MMR vaccine, and children should receive two doses: the first at 12-15 months and the second at 4-6 years of age.

This story was originally published July 7, 2025 at 6:26 PM.