State reports 201 cases this year
The Kentucky Department for Public Health has reported 201 confirmed measles cases in the state in 2026. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services described the current outbreak in August as Kentucky’s largest since 1991.
The statewide total is not identical to the outbreak count. WKYT reported that four cases recorded in Jessamine County occurred in early 2026 and are not part of the current outbreak.
Hospitalization figures differ
LEX18 reported that at least 11 people have been hospitalized during the outbreak. A Department for Public Health table cited by WKYT listed 10 hospitalizations and no deaths among the state’s 201 cases.
Christian County had the largest county total in the state table, with 65 cases, followed by Laurel County with 56 and Trigg County with 31. The age breakdown included 23 children younger than 5, 84 people aged 5 to 17 and 94 adults.
Most cases had no vaccination record
The health department said most cases were recorded among people without a documented measles vaccination. The figures included one case involving a person recorded as having received one vaccine dose and another involving a person recorded as having received two doses.
LEX18 said officials identified many cases in close-knit communities with low vaccination levels across several counties. Kentucky health officials recommend the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine as the best protection and say it is widely available through doctors and local health departments.