Kansas measles cases rise to 79 across 11 counties in Southwest Region
TOPEKA, Kan. — Kansas health officials reported new measles cases this week, bringing the state's total to 79 confirmed cases across 11 counties in the southwest region as part of an outbreak that may be linked to larger regional outbreaks.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment updated its measles dashboard showing all cases remain concentrated in southwest Kansas counties, with 79 cases in 11 counties as of the latest reporting period.
The affected counties include Finney, Ford, Grant, Gray, Haskell, Kiowa, Morton and Stevens, according to KDHE data. The confirmed cases in Kansas have a possible link to the outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico, though health officials say the source of exposure remains unknown.
Vaccination Status Breakdown
Of the confirmed cases, vaccination records show the vast majority involve unvaccinated individuals. According to KDHE data, 39 people with measles were unvaccinated, one did not have age-appropriate vaccinations, three did not have verified vaccination status and three were age-appropriately vaccinated. One person has been hospitalized.
The outbreak particularly affects children and young people. Earlier case data showed six cases in children aged 0-4, nine in children aged 5-10, six in adolescents aged 11-17, and two in adults over 18.
Ongoing Concerns
Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area in Kansas and in surrounding counties, especially among those that are unvaccinated, state health officials warned.
KDHE spokeswoman Jill Bronaugh said the state agency is working with local health departments to communicate about measles and educate the public about prevention measures.
Health officials have confirmed measles exposure at public locations including Wichita's Mid-Continent Airport and the Hutchinson Public Library, indicating the virus has spread beyond the initial southwest Kansas outbreak area.
Regional Context
Kansas is among several states dealing with active measles outbreaks. The Southwest Kansas outbreak may be connected to larger regional outbreaks that have affected Texas, New Mexico and Oklahoma, with hundreds of cases reported across the South-Central United States.
The outbreak comes as childhood vaccination rates have declined nationwide since the pandemic, with some communities falling below the 95% vaccination coverage target needed for community immunity.
Prevention Measures
The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against measles, with two doses providing 97% effectiveness. KDHE is recommending that infants 6-11 months old in affected counties receive an early dose of MMR vaccine.
Adults are considered protected if they have received at least one dose of MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after exposure and include high fever, runny nose, cough, red watery eyes and a distinctive rash that begins on the face and spreads downward.
Anyone experiencing measles symptoms should contact their healthcare provider immediately and avoid public spaces to prevent further transmission of the highly contagious virus.
For current case counts and county-specific information, residents can access KDHE's real-time measles outbreak dashboard at kdhe.ks.gov.
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