The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a measles case in Stevens County. It is unclear whether this case is linked to any ongoing outbreaks in the U.S. This is the first case of measles in Kansas since 2018. KDHE and the Stevens County Health Department are contacting people who may have been exposed to the virus.

Measles starts with symptoms like fever over 101°F, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. After one to four days, a red rash usually appears on the face and spreads to the body. Symptoms typically appear 10 to 14 days after exposure but can show as early as seven days or as late as 21 days.

Measles is a highly contagious disease spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. It can be spread from four days before the rash appears until four days after.

To prevent measles, the best method is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The CDC recommends children get two doses of the MMR vaccine, starting at 12 to 15 months of age. Adults are protected if they have had at least one dose or were born before 1957. If exposed and not immune, individuals should consult a healthcare provider and isolate for 21 days unless symptoms develop. If symptoms appear, contact the health department and stay away from public places until four days after the rash shows.