The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Stevens County Health Department have reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County. It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks in the United States. KDHE, along with the Stevens County Health Department, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles. This incident marks the first measles case in Kansas since 2018.
Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.
Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.
As of March 6, 2025, a total of 222 measles cases were reported by 12 jurisdictions: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington.
Age
- Under 5 years: 76 (34%)
- 5-19 years: 99 (45%)
- 20+ years: 40 (18%)
- Age unknown: 7 (3%)
Vaccination Status
- Unvaccinated or Unknown: 94%
- One MMR dose: 4%
- Two MMR doses: 2%
U.S. Hospitalizations in 2025
- 17% of cases hospitalized (38 of 222).
Percent of Age Group Hospitalized
- Under 5 years: 28% (21 of 76)
- 5-19 years: 11% (11 of 99)
- 20+ years: 13% (5 of 40)
- Age unknown: 14% (1 of 7)
U.S. Deaths in 2025
- 2 (There has been 1 confirmed death from measles, and 1 death under investigation)
The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends children get their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. Infants ages 6 through 11 months old should get the MMR vaccination if traveling outside the United States. Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.
If you do not have presumptive evidence of immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella, talk with your doctor about getting vaccinated. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, you should first try to find your vaccination records. If you do not have written documentation of MMR vaccine, you should get vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe, and there is no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps, or rubella.
If you received a measles vaccine in the 1960s, you may not need to be revaccinated. People who have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated. People who were vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated with at least one dose of live attenuated measles vaccine. This recommendation is intended to protect those who may have received killed measles vaccine, which was available in 1963-1967 and was not effective.
Birth before 1957 provides only presumptive evidence for measles, mumps, and rubella. Before vaccines were available, nearly everyone was infected with measles, mumps, and rubella viruses during childhood. The majority of people born before 1957 are likely to have been infected naturally and therefore are presumed to be protected against measles, mumps, and rubella. Healthcare personnel born before 1957 without laboratory evidence of immunity or disease should consider getting two doses of MMR vaccine.
If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:
- Consult with a health care provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
- Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.
- If symptoms develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared.
- Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.
