Latest news with #KDHE
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
7 more measles cases in Kansas, outbreak in Pawnee County
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — More measles cases are popping up in Kansas, and one more county has been added to the outbreak in southwest Kansas. Seven more cases have been diagnosed, bringing the state's total to 71 since the beginning of the year. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment shows that the recent cases in Pawnee County are connected to the outbreak. Previous cases in Reno and Sedgwick counties are not connected. The KDHE updates its measles dashboard on Mondays and Wednesdays. County Last update (May 28) Monday, June 2, update Finney 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Ford 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Grant 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Gray 24 25 Haskell 10 11 Kiowa 6 6 Morton 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Pawnee 1-5 cases 7 cases Reno 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Sedgwick 1-5 cases 1-5 cases Stevens 7 7 Of the 69 outbreak cases, 58 patients have never been vaccinated, and only five people were up to date on their vaccinations. 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 reports that 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. 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 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 you 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. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Boil water advisory lifted for Yates Center
YATES CENTER, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has lifted a boil water advisory for the City of Yates Center in Woodson County. The advisory was originally issued due to a loss of pressure in the city's water system during hydrant flushing. A drop in pressure can lead to a loss of chlorine and increase the risk of bacterial contamination. Storm Track 3 Forecast: Warm and humid Saturday, chance of evening storms After conducting laboratory testing of water samples, KDHE confirmed there is no evidence of bacterial contamination, and all safety concerns have been resolved. Residents with questions can contact the Yates Center water system at 620-625-2102 or KDHE at 785-296-5514. Additional information is available at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Boil water advisory issued for Yates Center
YATES CENTER, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued a boil water advisory for the city of Yates Center in Woodson County. Officials say residents should boil all water used for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth, and washing dishes until further notice. Tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for at least one minute before use. The advisory was issued as a precaution due to a potential risk of bacterial contamination. The cause of the issue and estimated time for resolution have not been released. Residents will be notified when it is safe to stop boiling water. $1.9 billion CHIPS grant denied for Kansas Updates will be provided by KDHE as test results become available. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
State issues blue-green algae warnings for Kansas lakes
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — State health and wildlife officials have issued warnings for several Kansas lakes due to potentially toxic blue-green algae blooms, urging residents and visitors to stay alert while enjoying water activities this summer. Car crashes into Garden City home The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), in coordination with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), issued a public health advisory as part of its Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) response program, which runs each year from April through October. Current advisories include: Warning: Frazier Lake (Grant County) Gathering Pond (Geary County) Marion Reservoir (Marion County – status elevated May 30) Watch: Augusta Santa Fe Lake (Butler County – status lowered May 30) Lifted: Pony Creek Lake (Brown County) Officials say blue-green algae can appear as foam, scum, or paint on the water's surface, in colors ranging from blue and green to brown or red. Blooms can form quickly and may be harmful to humans and animals through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation. 'Symptoms from exposure may include rash, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and fever,' KDHE said. 'If you or your pets come into contact with algae, rinse thoroughly with clean water.' The advisory outlines different safety levels: A Warning means harmful algae is expected or present. Swimming and water contact should be avoided, and pets should not drink or enter the water. A Watch indicates algae may be present. Water activities near visible blooms are discouraged, but boating and fishing are generally safe with precautions. A Hazard status—none currently in effect—signals extreme conditions and could lead to lake closures. KDHE encourages Kansans to report suspected blooms year-round and offers resources for identifying algae and staying safe at 'Blooms can be deadly for pets,' the agency warns. 'Dogs are especially vulnerable if they drink or come into contact with contaminated water or eat dried algae on the shore.' For updates, public advisories, and a map of affected lakes, visit the KDHE Harmful Algal Bloom page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
EPA funds brownfield fixes in Kansas
WASHINGTON (KSNW) — Nearly $4 million in federal Brownfields Grants is heading to Kansas to help clean up and redevelop contaminated properties, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week. The grants will support cleanup projects in Beloit, Topeka, and across several eastern Kansas counties. They'll also fund dozens of environmental assessments and planning efforts led by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). In a news release, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the grants are part of a broader $267 million investment nationwide aimed at turning polluted sites into usable spaces for businesses and housing, ultimately boosting local economies and benefiting families. In Kansas, the grants include: $418,620 to Beloit to clean up a former juvenile detention center and prepare it for redevelopment into housing. $1 million to the Flint Hills Regional Council to establish a loan fund supporting cleanups in seven counties. $2 million to KDHE to assess more than 100 sites and develop cleanup plans in Kansas City, Eureka, and El Dorado. $500,000 to Topeka to evaluate and plan reuse of sites like the former White Lakes Mall and two closed schools. Kansas ash trees under attack from returning pest KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said the investment will raise property values, create jobs, and transform vacant land into productive assets for communities across the state. Senator Roger Marshall called the funding an important step in revitalizing Kansas communities and protecting public health, crediting the Trump administration for prioritizing clean air, land, and water. A brownfield site is a previously used property—often industrial or commercial—where redevelopment is complicated by potential environmental contamination. Since 1995, the EPA's Brownfields Program has supported over $42 billion in cleanup and redevelopment efforts across the country. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
