The state Cabinet for Health and Family Services reports the public may have been exposed to measles in Richmond and Olive Hill amid a statewide outbreak.
The agency says an unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler visited multiple locations in the cities last week.
Those include:
- Marathon Gas Station at 242 W. Tom Hall Blvd. in Olive Hill Aug. 24 from 4:30 to 7:00 a.m.
- Lowes at 814 Eastern Bypass in Richmond Aug. 24 from 1:15 to 3:45 p.m.
- Baptist Health Urgent Care at 648 University Shopping Center in Richmond Aug. 27 from 8:45 11:45 a.m., and again Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Health officials recommend watching for symptoms for 21 days after being exposed, and to contact your health care provider if they develop. Symptoms of measles include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and rashes.
The state has confirmed 28 cases of measles in recent months, mostly in Western Kentucky. Closer to the central part of the state, five cases have been reported in Washington County and one in Owen County. No cases have been reported near the points of public exposure in Madison or Carter counties.
Four cases of measles were also reported in Jessamine County in January.
Children younger than 5 years old are considered the most vulnerable, but anyone unvaccinated is considered at risk.
The cabinet recommends two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine.
According to the Madison County Health Department, those who are unvaccinated must quarantine for 21 days after their most recent exposure. Those who got an MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can return to child care, school or work, however.
