LEWIS COUNTY, Ky. — Two cases of measles have now been confirmed in neighboring Lewis County, according to the latest county-level figures from the Kentucky Department for Public Health.
The development comes just one day after the Lewis County Herald reported the county’s first confirmed case on September 15. That case was the first publicly reported measles infection in Lewis County during Kentucky’s current outbreak.
The state’s updated county figures now show two cases in Lewis County, placing confirmed infections immediately north of Rowan County.
Kentucky health officials have declared an ongoing measles outbreak in the Commonwealth, with cases identified in multiple counties and additional cases and possible exposures under investigation. The state’s county-level measles dashboard is updated Monday through Friday, except on state holidays.
Cases Move Into Northeastern Kentucky
The Lewis County cases are particularly noteworthy for residents of Rowan County and the surrounding region because they follow several recent measles exposure alerts in northeastern Kentucky.
In late August, state health officials reported that an unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler infected with measles stopped at a Marathon gas station on West Tom Hall Boulevard in Olive Hill in neighboring Carter County on August 24 while infectious. The same traveler also visited locations in Richmond.
Potential measles exposures were subsequently identified at UK St. Claire Regional Medical Center and UK St. Claire Urgent Care-Hampton Way in Morehead between August 25 and August 31.
There has been no public confirmation that either the Morehead or Olive Hill exposures is connected to the confirmed cases in Lewis County. The cases should therefore not be assumed to be related unless public-health officials establish such a connection.
Health officials also have not publicly released identifying information about the Lewis County patients or details about how they contracted the virus.
What Residents Should Know About Measles
Measles is an extremely contagious viral disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes.
According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the virus can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left an area. People infected with measles can also spread the disease before they realize they are sick.
Common symptoms include:
High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes
A rash that generally begins on the face and spreads downward
Tiny white spots inside the mouth, known as Koplik spots
While many people recover, measles can cause serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, or swelling of the brain. Infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are among those at increased risk for serious complications.
Health Officials Urge Residents to Check Vaccination Records
The Kentucky Department for Public Health says vaccination remains the most effective protection against measles. Two doses of a measles-containing vaccine are approximately 97 percent effective at preventing measles following exposure, while one dose is approximately 93 percent effective.
The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps and rubella, is routinely administered to children in two doses, with the first generally given between 12 and 15 months of age and the second between ages four and six.
Kentuckians who are uncertain about their vaccination status are encouraged to check their immunization records or speak with their healthcare provider.
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles or who develops symptoms consistent with the illness should call a healthcare provider or local health department before arriving in person. Calling ahead allows medical facilities to take precautions to prevent potentially exposing other patients and staff.
The Morehead Minute will continue monitoring the Kentucky Department for Public Health measles data for additional cases or exposure locations affecting Rowan County and northeastern Kentucky.
The Morehead Minute independently reviewed information from the Kentucky Department for Public Health. Background information concerning the first Lewis County case was reported September 15 by the Lewis County Herald.
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