Health Alert
Health Officials Announce Measles Case, Potential Exposures in Kentucky and Tennessee
September 10, 2024 - Health officials with the Barren River Health District and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) announced a confirmed case of measles identified in a Tennessee resident who is a student at Western Kentucky University (WKU). Click here to read the full details.
Kentucky Health Alert: Increase in Pertussis in Kentucky
The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) has identified an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) in the Commonwealth beginning in mid-April, 2024. The majority of cases have occurred in school-aged children, many of whom were up to date on pertussis vaccination. Immunity from vaccination or natural infection wanes over time so infections can occur in people who are fully vaccinated. However, the vaccine is known to reduce disease severity, and hospitalization among vaccinated individuals is rare.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​Pertussis (Whooping cough) is a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily from person to person. Outbreaks can occur in settings such as schools, childcare centers, hospitals or in large geographic areas. People of any age can get pertussis; however, infants are at greatest risk for severe illness and death.​
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The best way to prevent pertussis is to get vaccinated. Two kinds of vaccines help protect against whooping cough, both of which also provide protection against other diseases. More information at: https://www.chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/dehp/idb/Pages/PertussisKYAug2023.aspx
