OWENSBORO, Ky. — Due to the current outbreak of measles in Minnesota, state health officials in Kentucky are recommending measles vaccinations for children and adults born after 1957 to prevent outbreaks here in Kentucky, according to the Green River District Health Department.
“Minnesota is currently experiencing its largest outbreak of measles in thirty years,” said Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, Department of Public Health commissioner. “Officially, measles was eradicated in the United States in 2000 and the measles cases that do occur usually are associated with international travel. Minnesota’s current epidemic may be due to travel between the Somali-American community and their home country. A majority of the recent Minnesota cases were unvaccinated children.”
Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes which may be sensitive to light followed by a rash which typically spreads from the face and head downward to the rest of the body over a few days. Measles spreads through the air by coughing or sneezing. You can get measles by just being in the same room as someone who has the disease.
Measles is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and even death. It spreads very easily among unvaccinated people. The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is routinely given to children in two doses, typically at 12 months and at 4 through 6 years. The first dose offers good protection, and the second dose provides extra security.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health has the following recommendations to protect children and adults from measles and to prevent outbreaks:
- All children aged 12 months and older who have not received MMR vaccine should get the first dose as soon as possible. A second MMR dose is routinely recommended at age 4 through 6 years but can be give 28 or more days after the first dose.
- Adults born during and after 1957 who never received a MMR vaccine and never had medical provider advice they were immune to measles should get a dose of MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Adults attending postsecondary educational institutions or working in healthcare settings should receive two MMR doses at least 28 days apart,
- For children (aged 12 months and older) and adults planning to travel internationally, particularly to Europe, Asia or Africa or living in Somali-American communities should receive two MMR doses at least 28 days apart. Infants aged 6 through 11 months should receive one dose of MMR vaccine before departure from the United States for international travel.
For parents concerned about the cost of immunizations, the Kentucky Vaccines for Children Program provides free or low-cost vaccines for eligible children through age 18 years. Please contact your local health department for more information or call the Kentucky Immunization Program at 502-564-4478.