Marina
Kansas has witnessed a rise in measles cases recently, with nine new infections reported in the past week.
This has brought the total number of cases from 37 to 46, as per the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) dashboard, which monitors the ongoing outbreak.
A Snapshot of the Current Situation
As of April 30, 2025, the outbreak predominantly impacts southwestern Kansas. The affected counties include Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Kiowa, Morton, and Stevens.
These regions have seen the highest number of cases, with Gray County leading the tally at 15 cases, a rise of nine from the previous update.
Out of the 46 total cases in Kansas, 39 individuals were unvaccinated, which has raised concerns among health experts.
Age Demographics of the Outbreak
The majority of measles cases are concentrated in children and young adults:
- 52% (24 cases) of the infections were reported in children aged 5 to 17 years.
- 30% (14 cases) involved children aged 0 to 4 years.
- The remaining cases were found in individuals aged 18 and older, with eight cases confirmed.
Kansas City Prepares for Possible Measles Arrival
Kansas City health officials have issued a warning in mid-April, alerting that the measles virus could soon reach the metro area. Local health authorities have urged parents to vaccinate their children to avoid potential spread.
Kansas City has not reported a measles case since 2019. Despite this, officials noted that the metro area lacks herd immunity against the disease, with some zip codes more vulnerable to outbreaks.
Health experts warn that summer travel could further spread the virus, especially from the southwestern regions of Kansas to larger urban areas.
Measles Cases in Neighboring Missouri and Other States
The first measles case in Missouri this year was confirmed in a child located about four hours south of Kansas City. This case was linked to international travel.
Nationwide, measles cases have been reported in 29 states and New York City. As of April 25, nearly 900 measles cases had been confirmed, with 94 hospitalizations and three confirmed deaths due to the virus.
Nationwide Measles Outbreak Trends
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 285 cases in 2024, with no deaths. The current breakdown of measles cases by age group is as follows:
- 30% involve children under 5 years.
- 38% are in children and teens between 5 and 19 years.
- 30% are adults.
The measles outbreak in Kansas has raised alarms, particularly with the potential for the virus to spread to Kansas City. While the outbreak is still confined to southwestern Kansas, the threat of it reaching urban areas remains significant, especially during the upcoming summer travel season.
Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure to curb the spread of this contagious virus. It’s crucial for parents and caregivers to stay informed and ensure their children are vaccinated, thereby contributing to community immunity and helping prevent further outbreaks.