Bath County health officials are warning residents that the number of confirmed measles cases in the area has increased from one to 11, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. The state now reports 194 confirmed cases of the highly contagious disease.
Local health response
Lynda Skaggs, an infection‑prevention specialist at UK St. Claire Hospital, said the rise in cases is a reminder that measles can spread quickly, especially when people travel between neighboring counties. “People travel and they go to community events from other counties, and I think it’s important to know what other counties are experiencing so those counties can take precautions also,” Skaggs explained.
Skaggs, who has more than four decades of experience in the medical field, urged residents to take the increase seriously but not to panic. She recommends that anyone who believes they have been exposed or who begins developing symptoms contact a health‑care provider before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency department. “Call ahead before entering a medical facility so we can make preparations for them,” she said. “Lots of times we will go to them instead of them coming to us.”
How measles spreads
Measles spreads through the air and can remain infectious in an enclosed space for up to two hours after an infected person leaves. Symptoms typically include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash. Because the virus is so contagious, health officials stress the importance of vaccination as the primary method of prevention.
Vaccination status of Kentucky cases
Of the 194 confirmed cases statewide, 192 involve individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown. One case involved a person who had received a single dose of the measles‑mumps‑rubella (MMR) vaccine, and another case involved a person who had received two or more doses.
Skaggs reiterated that “vaccination is the number one way to prevent this disease.” She encouraged anyone with questions about measles, possible exposure, or their vaccination status to contact a health‑care provider or the local health department.
What families can do
Parents are asked to verify that their children are up to date on the MMR vaccine series, especially before attending school functions, church gatherings, or community events where close contact is likely. Local churches and community groups are also being asked to share accurate information about the disease and the importance of immunization.
Community members who suspect they may have been exposed should monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or rash, and seek medical advice promptly. Early detection and isolation are key to limiting further spread.
Looking ahead
The Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services continues to monitor the outbreak and will provide updates as new information becomes available. Health officials remain hopeful that increased awareness and vaccination efforts will help curb the spread of measles throughout Bath County and the surrounding region.
Original reporting: LEX18 Lexington (local) — read the source article.
