The ongoing measles outbreak in Kansas has intensified, with two additional cases reported this week, bringing the total to 48 confirmed cases.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) indicates that the outbreak remains concentrated in eight southwestern counties: Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Kiowa, Morton, and Stevens.
Outbreak Overview
The first case in this outbreak was identified on March 13, 2025, in Stevens County, marking the state’s first measles case since 2018. Since then, the virus has spread within the southwestern region, affecting multiple counties.
Case Distribution by Age
The 48 confirmed cases are distributed among various age groups as follows:
- Birth to 4 years: 15 cases
- 5 to 17 years: 24 cases
- 18 years and older: 9 cases
This distribution highlights that 81% of the cases involve individuals under the age of 18, emphasizing the vulnerability of children and adolescents in this outbreak.
Vaccination Status of Cases
An analysis of the vaccination status among the 48 cases reveals:
- Unvaccinated individuals: 40 cases
- Age-appropriately vaccinated: 4 cases
- Not age-appropriately vaccinated: 1 case
- Unknown vaccination status: 3 cases
These figures underscore the critical role of vaccination in preventing measles infections.
Hospitalizations and Severity
Among the reported cases, there has been one hospitalization to date. No deaths have been reported in Kansas related to this outbreak.
Symptoms and Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air via coughing and sneezing. Early symptoms include:
- Fever (often over 101°F)
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
Within a few days, a red rash typically appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body.
Prevention and Vaccination Recommendations
Health officials emphasize that the most effective way to prevent measles is through the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends:
- First dose: 12 to 15 months of age
- Second dose: 4 to 6 years of age
For infants aged 6 through 11 months who are traveling internationally, an early MMR dose is advised. Adults born after 1957 should ensure they have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine or have evidence of immunity.
Public Health Response
In response to the outbreak, KDHE and local health departments are:
- Conducting contact tracing to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
- Advising unvaccinated individuals to receive the MMR vaccine promptly.
- Encouraging those experiencing symptoms to isolate and seek medical attention.
Public health officials are also working to increase awareness about the importance of vaccination and the risks associated with measles.
Kansas Measles Outbreak Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total confirmed cases | 48 |
| Counties affected | Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Kiowa, Morton, Stevens |
| Age distribution | 0–4 years: 15 cases; 5–17 years: 24 cases; 18+ years: 9 cases |
| Vaccination status | Unvaccinated: 40; Age-appropriately vaccinated: 4; Not age-appropriately vaccinated: 1; Unknown: 3 |
| Hospitalizations | 1 |
| First reported case | March 13, 2025, in Stevens County |
The expansion of the measles outbreak in Kansas serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
With the majority of cases occurring in unvaccinated individuals, public health officials urge residents to review their vaccination records and ensure they are up to date with the MMR vaccine.
Prompt action and community cooperation are essential to contain the outbreak and protect vulnerable populations.