LEWIS COUNTY, Ky. (Mason County Post) — Two cases of measles have been confirmed in Lewis County as Kentucky continues to battle an ongoing outbreak of the highly contagious disease.
According to the Kentucky Department for Public Health, the state has recorded 50 measles cases in 2026. Lewis County is among the counties with reported cases, with two confirmed as of mid-September.
Most of the state’s cases have occurred in people who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Two cases statewide involved individuals who had received one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. No cases have been reported in people who received two doses. Five people have been hospitalized, and no deaths have been reported.
Lewis County’s cases are part of the current outbreak that began earlier this year, primarily in western and central Kentucky. The two Lewis County cases appeared on the state’s measles dashboard around mid-September.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. Symptoms typically include high fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a rash that usually starts on the face and spreads downward. Complications can include pneumonia, brain swelling and, in rare cases, death. Infants, young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe illness.
Health officials urge residents to check their immunization records and ensure they are protected. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles. Kentucky residents can access their records through the Kentucky Immunization Registry Public Portal.
Anyone who may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms should contact their healthcare provider or local health department before seeking care in person so proper precautions can be taken.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health continues to monitor the situation and updates its measles dashboard regularly. For more information, visit the Cabinet for Health and Family Services measles page at chfs.ky.gov.