LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky reported its first measles case of 2026.

The Kentucky Department of Public Health said in a news release Thursday an unvaccinated Jessamine County resident tested positive for measles, the first confirmed case of the year, and since July 2025.

KDPH said the person traveled out-of-state while infectious and visited Fayette County between Dec. 31, 2025 and Jan. 2, 2026, and resulted in community exposures first announced on Jan. 9 by the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department. This case is not linked to community exposures in Grant County between Dec. 28-30, 2025, KDPH said.

"Measles is a serious and contagious virus that has seen a resurgence in recent years," said Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services.

Health officials are investigating additional community exposures to measles as a result of this Jessamine County case.

Measles, a highly contagious respiratory virus, can cause serious health problems, especially in young children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The virus spreads through the air after someone infected coughs or sneezes. It can then linger for up to two hours after the infected person leaves.

The virus can also be spread if someone touches surfaces that an infected person has touched. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by white spots that appear on the face and down the body. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles, according to health officials.

Anyone unsure of their vaccination status can visit KDPH's immunization portal by clicking here.

Health officials said the current risk of exposure to the broader public remains low, and recommends every one practice good health habits like washing your hands with soap and water often, covering coughs and sneezes and staying at home when you are sick. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you or someone in your family may have been exposed or have symptoms.

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