Kansas measles cases climb to 56, mostly in SW Kansas
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The number of measles cases in Kansas climbed by seven since last Wednesday. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment reports 56, up from 49 last week.
One of the new cases was reported in Reno County over the weekend. The other six new cases are in Gray County, which has had the most cases in the state, with 21.
On Wednesday, in addition to announcing the new cases, the KDHE unveiled a redesigned Measles Data website, which provides information on the current rate of cases, ethnicity, age groups, timelines, and more.
Age Group
Cases
0-4
19
5-10
16
11-13
6
14-17
4
18-24
1
25-34
5
35-44
3
45-54
1
55-64
1
65+
0
So far, the one case in Sedgwick County and the one case in Reno County are not associated with the outbreak of 54 cases in southwest Kansas. Of the outbreak cases, only five people were up-to-date on their vaccinations.
Health officials are warning the public of potential measles exposure at three Kansas locations: Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport, the Hutchinson Public Library, and an auto parts store in Cimarron.
The KDHE said individuals may have been exposed to the virus at the Wichita airport on Friday, May 2, between 6:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. and at the Hutchinson Public Library on Saturday, May 3, from 2 to 5 p.m.
A third potential exposure occurred at the B & P Auto Parts, 515 S. Main in Cimarron, on Friday, May 2, Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6.
Measles can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Anyone at the above locations during the listed times should monitor for symptoms for three weeks, check their vaccination status, and avoid contact with high-risk individuals if not immune.
Measles in Sedgwick County, exposure at Wichita grocery store
Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5. So far, no Kansas cases have required hospitalization.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, measles is highly contagious. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
The KDHE says the first symptoms happen seven to 14 days after exposure. Measles typically begins with a high fever, possibly spiking to more than 104, a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after the symptoms begin.
The measles rash appears three to five days after symptoms begin. Flat red spots appear on the face at the hairline and spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.
Why measles cases can be hard to track
If you do not know if you are vaccinated against measles, there are a few ways to find out:
Search the Kansas WebIZ Public Portal at myvaccinerecord.ks.gov,
Call the Kansas Immunization Program at 877-296-0464 (option 1) during regular business hours,
Email KDHE Immunization Registry,
Contact a health care provider to determine if they have received the vaccine, or
Discuss whether it is appropriate to have a titer blood test done to assess your immunity level.
The KDHE says unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people should consult a health care provider about receiving the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
Visit the KDHE website for more information about measles symptoms and prevention, and frequently asked questions.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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