Kentucky health officials have confirmed an ongoing measles outbreak, with 19 cases reported this year—the state’s highest total since 1991.
Fifteen cases were confirmed in the past four days in Christian, Owen, Todd, Trigg and Washington counties. Four earlier cases were reported in Jessamine County.
All 19 patients were unvaccinated, and two have been hospitalized. Officials expect the number of cases and affected counties to increase.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes and a rash that typically begins on the face.
Health officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97 percent effective and urge Kentuckians to check their vaccination status.
There are currently no known measles cases in the Lake Cumberland District.