After two full months into 2024, around 41 cases of Measles have been reported in 16 states according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Steven Stack from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, spoke about the importance of getting vaccinated against the disease as vaccination rates have dipped, at Thursday’s Team Kentucky Update.
In 2023 there were 58 cases across the country including one in Kentucky. Stack says Measles was declared eliminated in the country in 2000, but because of decreasing vaccination rates, they are seeing a resurgence of the disease.
Stack says those who are vaccinated against Measles but are exposed to illness will not get sick or transmit the virus. Those exposed to the illness that are unvaccinated can experience flu-like symptoms, fever and a red splotchy rash all over the body.
Stack says those with Measles can also experience more severe symptoms such as pneumonia, ear infections and even brain swelling.
Concerning the disease’s spread, Stack says Measles is presently one of the most contagious diseases along with COVID-19 and a person can be infected for around 10-to-12 days before their symptoms start to show.
As a result of its highly contagious levels, Stack says those who develop Measles are asked to quarantine for 21 days.
In Kentucky, Stack says the Measles vaccination rate for Kindergartners is currently around 90% which is not high enough to stop transmission. Along with low vaccination rates, Stack says the frequent and easy travel available today also plays a role in spreading Measles.
Currently in 2024 no Measles cases have been reported in Kentucky.