October 31, 2026

Kentucky measles cases rise to over 200 in largest outbreak in 35 years

 (WKYT) – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is now reporting that there are 201 confirmed measles cases in the state this year.

On Wednesday, the KDPH’s website updated with one case added in Bath County and another case added in Todd County.

Most cases have been in people who did not have a recorded measles vaccination, according to the KDPH.

There is one case reported for a person who had one dose of the vaccine, and one case reported for someone who has had two vaccines.

 

The Cabinet for Health and Family Services stated in August that this is the largest measles outbreak since 1991.

The 2026 cases listed on the KDPH site are in the following counties:

Counties Number of cases
Barren County 5
Bath County 15
Caldwell County 7
Carroll County 5
Christian County 65
Jessamine County 4
Laurel County 56
Lewis County 2
Owen County 2
Todd County 3
Trigg County 31
Trimble County 1
Washington County 5
Total Cases 201
Total Hospitalized 10
Total Deaths 0

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Kentucky measles outbreak coverage

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Measles cases see sharp increase in Kentucky
 
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Measles cases climb higher in Kentucky outbreak
 
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Measles cases continue to rise in Kentucky outbreak
 
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Seven cases of measles confirmed in Laurel County
Measles cases by age group  
<5 years old 23
5-17 years old 84
18+ years old 94

Cases listed in Jessamine County are from early 2026 and are not part of the current outbreak.