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Ky. (WKYT) – The United States has recorded 2,318 measles cases so far in 2026, the highest number the country has seen in 35 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Four of those cases were in Kentucky, all in Jessamine County
Kentucky recorded no measles cases in all of 2024, then 13 cases in 2025 — the most the state had seen in decades
“Anytime you see increases in numbers like that it’s alarming to us in the public <a href="https://healthylife7.com/uva-health-researcher-helps-lay-out-framework-for-use-of-ai-in-healthcare/” title=”UVA Health researcher helps lay out framework for use of AI in healthcare”>health community,” said Scott Lockard, public health director for the Kentucky River District Health Department
Cassie Prather, director of the Woodford County Health Department, said vaccine skepticism is a significant factor. She also pointed to younger parents who may not be familiar with how serious vaccine-preventable diseases can be
“They don’t know a world where these types of things aren’t prevented by a vaccine,” Prather said. “They’ve never seen someone die of these vaccine preventable diseases and so I think that has really changed what parents see really as a threat.”
Prather also warned the numbers could climb further as the season changes
“Chances are we could even double what we’ve seen now because we’re heading into respiratory virus season,” she said
The CDC said measles is mostly brought into the U.S. by residents returning from international trips where the disease remains widespread
Measles symptoms include cough, fever, and a rash that can appear inside the mouth and on the face. The recommended age for the first vaccination dose is between 12 and 15 months old, with a second dose between ages 4 and 6
Data shows 93% of this year’s measles cases were in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown
Lockard said classrooms are prime locations for measles to spread and recommended parents ensure their children are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine
“The data shows that the benefits of a vaccine far outweighs the potential risks,” Lockard said
For parents like Hannah Sutherland, whose baby is too young to be fully vaccinated, the spike is a concern
“It’s just scary thinking about how to protect her from that and making sure to keep her safe and making sure she doesn’t get infected,” Sutherland said
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