The Lexington-Fayette County Health Department reports four more cases of measles as part of a local outbreak in Fayette and Woodford Counties. It brings the total number of cases in the region to eight.
The department says those new cases were found within the same family in Fayette County, and those affected are quarantining.
Another, unrelated case of measles has also been reported in Todd County. So far this year, 11 cases have been reported across Kentucky.
Interim Health Department Commissioner Steve Davis says most symptoms are mild, but the disease should still be taken seriously.
“There's been some fatalities from people with measles,” Davis said. “So one message to get across is that measles should not be considered just a mild illness. It has potential for very severe complications.”
Davis says the best way to be protected against measles is to get vaccinated. He says to check with your provider if you’re up to date.
“If there's any question, it certainly would not hurt in any way whatsoever to take another measles vaccine, because even if you had taken your vaccines and didn't realize it, and you take another one, it's certainly not going to hurt you,” he said.
Davis says everyone should take the vaccine if they’re unsure, unless they’re immunocompromised, pregnant or living with someone with a low immune system.
Adults born after 1957 should have documentation of at least one dose of the measles vaccine. Children should get one dose at 12-to-15 months old and another at four-to-six years old.
