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Measles

Update

As of April 2025, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reports a measles outbreak of 37 confirmed cases across eight counties in the southwestern region of the state. There are no confirmed cases in Douglas County or surrounding counties.

About Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through direct contact, respiratory droplets, and can remain airborne and on surfaces for up to two hours.

Seek care immediately!

Call your healthcare provider immediately if you think you or your child have been exposed to measles.

Signs & Symptoms

Early symptoms include a high fever (around or above 104° F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a characteristic red rash that typically starts on the hairline and spreads downward to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms typically appear 1–2 weeks after contact with the virus.

Who is at risk?

Measles can be life-threatening. Groups at the highest risk from exposure to measles are:

  • Anyone who is unvaccinated
  • Children younger than 5 years of age
  • Adults older than 20 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People with weakened immune systems

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years of age. Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.

Prevention

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) both state that the best way to protect yourself against measles is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

The best defense against measles is the MMR vaccine, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity.

KDHE on Measles Prevention
(www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles)

Please continue to follow healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness:

  • cover coughs and sneezes
  • wash hands thoroughly and frequently
  • avoid sharing drinks or utensils
  • disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • stay home when ill
     

Kansas Law on Measles

Kansas law mandates that suspected or confirmed cases of measles be reported.

Stay home and call your healthcare provider or Lawrence Douglas County Public Health (LDCPH) at 785-856-7361. They will tell you when it is safe to be around others. Visit ldchealth.org for more information about measles and vaccination. Call LDCPH's clinic at 785-843-0721 to schedule a vaccination appointment.