Measles case confirmed at Western Kentucky University

By Sarah Ladd
Kentucky Lantern

A Western Kentucky University student has a confirmed case of measles and may have exposed others, according to the Barren River Health District and the Kentucky Department for Public Health.

The student is unvaccinated against the highly contagious disease, according to a Cabinet for Health and Family Services news release.

The student, whose name, gender and other identifying information were not released, recently traveled internationally. This is where they “are presumed to have been exposed to measles,” says the release.

Upon returning, and “while infectious with measles,” the student attended public events on Aug. 28, 29 and 30, the health department said.

People who were at the following locations may have been exposed:

• The Commons at Helm Library (WKU), 1906 College Heights Blvd. #11067 in Bowling Green
  • • Wednesday Aug. 28, 2024, (7:45 a.m. – 10  am and 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
    • Thursday Aug. 29, 2024, (7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
    • Friday Aug. 30, 2024, (7:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.)
• WKU Student Union Starbucks,1906 College Heights Blvd. in Bowling Green
  • • Wednesday Aug. 28, 2024, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
• Simply Ramen restaurant trivia night, 801 Campbell Lane in Bowling Green
  • • Thursday Aug.  29, 2024, (7 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)

Measles “spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes,” according to the World Health Organization. It can cause serious complications and death, according to WHO, which reported most deaths from measles in 2022 were in unvaccinated children.

Vaccination is the best defense against measles, WHO says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a first dose of MMR vaccine for children 12 to 15 months and a second dose between ages 4 and 6. Teens and adults should also stay up-to-date on this vaccine, the CDC says, which is generally available at pharmacies.

Symptoms of measles are fever, cough, watery eyes, runny nose and rash.

If you have questions about exposure or your risk, call your healthcare provider or the Barren River District Health Department at 833-551-0953.