OLIVE HILL, Ky. — Kentucky public health officials are warning Carter County residents about a potential measles exposure after an infected traveler reportedly visited businesses in Olive Hill this week.
According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the individual was an unvaccinated visitor from outside Kentucky who traveled to locations in both Olive Hill and Richmond on Monday, Aug. 24; Thursday, Aug. 27; and Friday, Aug. 28.
Health officials have not indicated that the individual is a Carter County resident. Rather, the concern is that people who were at the same Olive Hill locations during the potential exposure periods may have come into contact with the virus.
Residents Urged to Check Vaccination Records
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed is encouraged to check their vaccination records to determine whether they have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. The virus can remain infectious in an enclosed space for as long as two hours after an infected person has left, according to state health officials.
Those who may have been exposed should monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days following the possible exposure. Symptoms can include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red or watery eyes
A rash, typically beginning on the face before spreading to other areas of the body
Anyone who develops symptoms should call a healthcare provider or local health department before arriving at a clinic or emergency department, allowing medical personnel to take precautions to prevent additional exposures.
Kentucky Experiencing Largest Outbreak in Decades
The Olive Hill exposure comes as Kentucky continues to deal with its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades.
As of this week, 29 cases have been confirmed in Kentucky during 2026, including 17 reported during August. State data indicates all confirmed cases this year have involved people who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.
Kentucky health officials say two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97 percent protection against measles.
The Morehead Minute will continue monitoring the situation, particularly for additional information concerning specific Olive Hill exposure locations and times, and will provide updates as they become available.
Residents can find current information about Kentucky's measles outbreak and public exposure locations through the Kentucky Department for Public Health measles information page.