10,000 Students At-Risks for Measles

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) in Kentucky announced yesterday it would begin conducting measles vaccination clinics at local schools for about 10,000 unvaccinated students. 

JCPS distributed notices to Louisville-area families whose school records show their students need to be protected against this vaccine-preventable disease.

Measles is highly contagious and often results in the hospitalization of those who contract the virus. 

Beginning on January 17, 2023, JCPS students will be able to receive a Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, as well as the COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

'We urge parents and guardians to ensure students are current with all required vaccines, including the MMR. 

The U.S. CDC and the Kentucky Department of Public Health urge families to be aware of an ongoing measles outbreak near Columbus, Ohio.

As of January 17, 2023, the Columbus Health Department had confirmed 85 children had been infected with measles since June 2022. Most of these unvaccinated children are under ten years of age.

Previously, the CDC confirmed (118) measles patients in six jurisdictions in 2022. In 2021, a total of 49 measles cases were reported by five jurisdictions.

The CDC's top ten global measles outbreaks as of January 13, 2023, were led by India, with 12,271 cases, and Yemen, with 7,538. 

In the U.S., various MMR vaccines are available at most clinics and pharmacies in 2023.