The Kentucky Department for Public Health recently confirmed seven new measles cases in Laurel County, pushing the statewide outbreak tally to 104 confirmed cases.
Local health officials are actively tracking and managing the outbreak, reminding the community that this airborne virus spreads quickly and can trigger severe complications.
Common signs and symptoms of measles include:
* Fever
* Cough
* Runny nose
* Red or watery eyes
* Rash
The Health Department emphasizes that receiving the MMR vaccine serves as your strongest defense against the virus.
“If you were born prior to 1957 or you had two Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination doses, you have documented measles immunity (IgG+),” the Laurel County Health Department said.
If you are unsure of your immunization history, you can look up your vaccination records online.
Should you suspect an exposure or begin noticing symptoms, reach out to your doctor or local health department right away for guidance. The Kentucky Department for Public Health also provides comprehensive details regarding symptoms, exposure protocols, and vaccination resources.