 Friday, February 28, 2025
Kentucky announces confirmed case of measles
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The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) and the Franklin County Health Department announced a confirmed cases of measles in the Commonwealth this week. KDPH said the adult Kentucky resident had recently traveled internationally to a location with ongoing measles transmission.
There has been a significant increase of measles globally and within the United States. According to the CDC, so far this year, there have been more than 90 measles cases reported by eight jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Georgia, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Rhode Island and Texas. Also this week, Texas reported a child has died in a measles outbreak in the state and said the school-aged child was not vaccinated against the measles. There have been three outbreaks reported in 2025 and most of the cases in the U.S. are outbreak-associated.
Currently there have been no confirmed cases of measles in Jefferson County.
“We are sharing this information to educate our community about the measles situation in our country and abroad. We also want to remind people that we have a very effective vaccine that can prevent measles infection and its spread,” said Dr. Kris Bryant, associate medical director at the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness (LMPHW) and pediatric infectious disease specialist at Norton Children’s.
One person infected with measles can spread it to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people.
Measles can cause severe health outcomes, including pneumonia, inflammation of the brain and death, especially in people who are unvaccinated.
MMR vaccine
Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. It is recommended that people 12 months and older get the MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and the second at 4 to 6 years of age. Infants 6 to 11 months who are traveling internationally should receive a dose of MMR before travel and then 2 more doses according to the routinely recommended schedule.
Older children and adults should be up to date on recommended MMR vaccination. Any person 12 months and older who is traveling internationally should receive 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine unless they have other presumptive evidence of immunity against measles. Booster doses of MMR vaccine are not needed for people who have received MMR vaccines according to the routinely recommended schedule.
In Kentucky, the CDC estimates that MMR vaccine coverage among Kentucky kindergartners is less than the national average, at about 90%. To get the MMR vaccine, contact your primary care provider. LMPHW also provides vaccines for children and adults at its immunization clinic. To schedule an appointment, call 502-574-5380.
For further recommendations to parents, travelers and healthcare providers, view the CDC’s measles page. You can also visit our website to learn more about measles.
Learn how to navigate conflicts
and manage daily challenges
 Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and several community partners are sponsoring "Respecting Emotions, Recognizing Experiences: A Trauma Informed Approach" virtual presentation, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 13.
This free session, led by Alison Waldorf, an experienced social worker with over eight years in the field, will focus on the ways our emotions and experiences shape our lives. Participants will gain insights on how to:
- Recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma
- Identify available community resources
- Explore healthy coping strategies
For more information and to register, please email Jackie Love at Jackie.Love@louisvilleky.gov.
Mental Health Lou showcases free
series on Mind-Body Wellness
 Mental Health Lou is hosting a four-part series, Mind-Body Wellness, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5 at the Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place, until March 26. Participants will learn ways to identify and connect feelings, thoughts and physical responses and develop tools to help manage stress, anxiety, depression and more.
The free series kicks off with "Food & Mood: The Gut-Brain Connection," which examines the relationship between diet and mental well-being by delving into the science of gut health, inflammation and the production of neurotransmitters.
Additional mental health topics include "Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Building Resilience and Wellness," "Digital Detox: Reclaiming Focus and Mental Space" and "The Art of Self-Compassion: Reframing Inner Narratives."
Be sure to learn more about Mental Health Lou's resources and programs.
Make a difference in public health
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Public health is based on the idea that everyone should have an equal chance to be as healthy and safe as possible. Our team aims to help every member of the community.
Visit our Metro job opportunities webpage to learn more about this role and various career opportunities in public health. You can also scan the QR code.
For more information, please email LMPHWCareers@louisvilleky.gov.
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