Measles is spreading in Kentucky. See your risk by zip code with this map
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kentucky reports multiple measles exposures; Jessamine County counts at least 4 cases.
- Healthmap.org map estimates zip code MMR coverage to show local measles risk for children.
- CDC advises two MMR doses; unvaccinated children, pregnant women are most at risk.
The highly contagious measles virus is spreading in Kentucky, with the latest state data showing at least 4 confirmed cases in Jessamine County , all of which are among children with unknown or unvaccinated status.
Kentucky has seen multiple public exposure events to measles in recent weeks. The first was reported at a hotel in Dry Ridge, then another at the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, where an unvaccinated, out-of-state measles patient exposed guests to the virus.
In a third event, another traveler from outside the state visited Lexington over the New Year’s holiday, exposing an unvaccinated child to the virus.
As measles surges throughout the country and vaccination rates decline, a new map from a team of public health researchers is helping the public track their local risk . The tool allows users to get an estimated percentage of their neighbors who have been vaccinated against the virus — even down to their zip code, ABC News reports.
As the map reveals, several zip codes in Lexington could be considered “hot spots” where measles could spread more easily due to lower vaccination rates. Here’s how to use the tool to track your local risk and what you can do to take protect yourself.
What does the map say about Lexington’s measles risk?
The tool, which can be found at healthmap.org/measles, allows users to get estimates of local vaccination rates at the county or zip code level.
For example, in Lexington’s 40511 zip code, the map shows a higher risk with a measles vaccination rate between 60% and 69%. The 40510 and 40505 zip codes show the same level of risk. Generally, the map shows north Lexington is more exposed to the measles virus because of a lower rate of vaccination .
As a whole, Fayette County presents a medium risk, with a vaccination rate between 70% to 79%.
The project is done through a collaboration of researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, among others.
According to the map, its vaccination estimates are for one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children between 0 and 5 years old. Children are born with passive immunity that gradually fades around 6 months of age.
“Therefore, population immunity levels in this group may be slightly higher than 1-dose MMR rates suggest,” the map’s authors note.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend two doses of the measles vaccine for children: The first dose at 12 to 15 months, and the second at 4 to 6 years old before starting school , according to the agency’s provider guidance.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective against measles, while two doses are roughly 97% effective, the map notes.
What can you do to protect yourself from measles?
The best thing you can do is get vaccinated.
Young, unvaccinated children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk of measles complications, which can cause hospitalization, swelling the brain, pregnancy complications and death, according to the CDC.
That said, health experts also advise adults born in the 1950s and 60s who got a less effective, early vaccine to consider getting the modern shot. If you’re unsure about your risk, consult with your health care provider for guidance.