Kentucky resident diagnosed with measles in state’s first case since 2023, health department says
A person in Kentucky has been diagnosed with measles, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
The person was described as an adult from Franklin County. The health department said the person recently traveled to a foreign country.
The person also attended the Planet Fitness at 101 Allen Way in Frankfort while infectious, according to the health department. The person was at the gym on Feb. 17 from 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Officials are working to identify people at the gym who may have been exposed to the virus.
It’s the state’s first case of measles since 2023, according to the health department. A child from west Texas recently died from measles, according to CNN.
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be especially dangerous for children, according to the health department. Symptoms of the virus include high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes and the characteristic rash that shows up 3 to 5 days after symptoms begin.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,” said KDPH Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack in a press release. “Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.”
There have been 93 confirmed cases of measles in the United States so far this year as of Feb. 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are three outbreaks of measles, including Texas which has over 50 cases.
The measles vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the virus. The health department said CDC estimates suggest 90% of Kentucky kindergartners are vaccinated against measles, below the national average.
People who are unvaccinated and believe they were exposed to measles are encouraged to quarantine for 21 days and contact their local health department.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 7:51 AM.
