08/20/2026
ARH NEWS RELEASE – Vaccination and awareness are key in measles prevention
With Kentucky in the midst of the largest reported measles outbreak in 35 years, Dr. Frares Khater, ARH System Director of Infectious Disease, is urging providers to stay diligent in recognition, reporting and prevention education efforts.
According to the Kentucky Department of Public Health, 15 cases have been confirmed in western and central Kentucky in the past few days. Those cases in Christian, Owen, Todd, Trigg and Washington counties bring the total number of cases in 2026 to 19.
“We want to make sure all of our providers and any of our hospital and clinic staff know the symptoms should someone present with measles,” he said. “So, we’re looking for anyone presenting with a fever, cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash. If you see those, it’s important to test for measles.”
Patients diagnosed with measles should be put in isolation in the office or hospital, while the provider notifies the health department as well as the hospital infection preventionist.
Learn how measles spread and more at https://www.arh.org/newsfeed/vaccination-and-awareness-are-key-in-measles-prevention
