Northern Kentucky, January 2, 2026
Health officials in Northern Kentucky have warned the public about potential measles exposure following a visit by an unvaccinated traveler to the Ark Encounter attraction. Visitors to both the Ark Encounter and the Holiday Inn & Suites from December 28 to 30 should monitor for symptoms such as fever, cough, and rash. Measles is a highly contagious virus with serious health risks, making vaccination critical for prevention.
Measles Exposure Alert Issued in Northern Kentucky
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Health officials have issued a warning about potential measles exposure in northern Kentucky following a visit by an unvaccinated traveler to the Ark Encounter attraction in Grant County. The traveler, who stayed at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Dry Ridge from December 28 to 30, 2025, visited the Ark Encounter on December 29. Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children and the elderly. The virus spreads through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread if someone touches surfaces that an infected person has touched. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms. Health officials recommend that individuals who visited the Ark Encounter or the Holiday Inn & Suites during the specified dates monitor themselves for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they develop any signs of measles. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is the best protection against measles. Individuals born before 1957 are also considered immune. If you have concerns about exposure to measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Measles Exposure Details
- Location: Ark Encounter and Holiday Inn & Suites, Grant County, Kentucky
- Dates of Potential Exposure: December 28–30, 2025
- Visitor’s Details: Unvaccinated, out-of-state traveler
- Symptoms to Watch For: Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash
- Recommended Action: Monitor for symptoms and contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop
Background on Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The virus is transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. Early symptoms typically appear 10 to 12 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms, typically starting on the face and spreading downward. Vaccination with the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to prior exposure. If you have concerns about exposure to measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Preventive Measures
- Vaccination: Ensure you have received two doses of the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% protection against measles.
- Monitoring: Be vigilant for symptoms if you were present at the specified locations during the exposure dates.
- Consultation: Contact your healthcare provider if you develop symptoms or have concerns about exposure.
Additional Information
For more information on measles and vaccination, visit the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s website or contact your local health department. Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions can help prevent the spread of measles and protect public health.
FAQ
What is measles?
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious health complications, especially in young children and the elderly. It spreads through the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes and can linger for up to two hours after the infected person leaves. It can also be spread if someone touches surfaces that an infected person has touched. Symptoms include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically appears three to five days after the onset of initial symptoms.
How is measles transmitted?
Measles is transmitted through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves the area. It can also spread by touching surfaces that an infected person has touched.
What should I do if I was at the Ark Encounter or Holiday Inn & Suites during the specified dates?
If you were present at these locations between December 28 and 30, 2025, monitor yourself for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. If you develop any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How can I protect myself from measles?
Ensure you have received two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine, which provides 97% protection against measles. Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune due to prior exposure. If you have concerns about exposure to measles, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Where can I get vaccinated against measles?
You can receive the MMR vaccine from your primary care provider, local health department, or pharmacies such as Walgreens, Kroger, or CVS. It’s best to call ahead and schedule an appointment.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Affected | Ark Encounter and Holiday Inn & Suites, Grant County, Kentucky |
| Potential Exposure Dates | December 28–30, 2025 |
| Visitor Status | Unvaccinated traveler |
| Symptoms to Monitor | Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, rash |
| Recommended Action | Monitor for symptoms, contact healthcare provider if symptoms develop |
| Vaccine for Protection | MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine |
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