LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Public health officials in Louisville are reminding people about the importance of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine following a confirmed case in a Louisville boy this week.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are approximately 97% effective at preventing measles, while a single dose offers around 93% protection.
The vaccination status of the boy with measles in Louisville is unknown. Eleven of the 12 other cases in Kentucky are in people unvaccinated.
"Having high immunization rates in the Louisville area will make our community healthier and prevent the transmission of measles," said Dr. Kristina Bryant, the associate medical director for the Department of Public Health and Wellness.
On Wednesday, city officials warned residents who may have visited the Louisville Kroger on Dixie Highway in PRP earlier this month, indicating they may have been exposed to measles.
The health department learned the child infected with measles in Louisville visited the Little Clinic inside the Kroger at 4915 Dixie Highway between 9:15 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, July 9.
Anyone who was at the location during that timeframe may have been exposed.
"If you visited the Little Clinic or Kroger at a different day or at a different time than what we've mentioned, then you haven't been exposed to measles, but we do want you to be up to date on your immunization," Dr. Bryant said.
People who may have been exposed and have only one documented dose of the measles vaccine should get a second shot, health officials said. Those who have not been vaccinated may be asked to isolate through the end of July to prevent further spread.
Measles is highly contagious and spreads through the air. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and a telltale rash. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
If you were potentially exposed, you do not need to be tested for measles unless you develop measles symptoms.
Earlier this month, Kentucky had its first measles outbreak of 2025, as the U.S. case count sat just short of a 30-year high. There were 1,288 confirmed measles cases this year as of July 9, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. Public health experts said the true figure may be higher.
The city's health department offers vaccines for kids and adults at its Immunization Clinic. For information or to schedule an appointment, click here. More information about measles, including symptoms, treatment and more, can be found on the state health department website by clicking here.
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