Kansas is now part of a growing list of nearly 20 states in the U.S. dealing with an uptick in measles cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has reported 10 measles cases in children ranging from infants to teenagers across Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties as of March 21. Out of these, nine children haven’t received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, while one child was under-vaccinated, having only gotten one of the two recommended doses.
Fortunately, none of the reported cases in Kansas have resulted in hospitalizations or fatalities. However, the KDHE has warned that more cases might emerge in and around the affected areas due to the highly infectious nature of the virus, especially for those who haven’t been vaccinated. The wider U.S. is also seeing a worrying trend, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a total of 378 measles cases by March 21, 2025.
West Texas is particularly hard-hit, with a significant outbreak accounting for 327 confirmed cases by March 25. Most cases nationwide are occurring in school-aged children who have not been vaccinated. Health experts are urging healthcare providers to be vigilant for symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a distinct rash that starts on the face and spreads to the body.
Healthcare professionals are also advised to keep a close watch on individuals who have traveled internationally or to areas in the U.S. where outbreaks are ongoing, as well as those who frequently interact with unvaccinated individuals. The KDHE has advised people showing symptoms or suspected of having measles to stay at home and isolate for four days after the rash appears.
In a statement, the health department emphasized, “Persons that are susceptible to measles and exposed should be excluded from working in an adult care home, correctional facility, or health care facility and attending or working in a school, childcare facility, or adult day care for 21 days following the last exposure.” To curb the spread of measles, the KDHE recommends that both children and adults receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, particularly in counties where cases have been identified.
Dr. John Whyte, WebMD’s chief medical officer, highlighted measles’ contagiousness in a conversation with Fox News Digital. He pointed out that measles is “one of the most contagious respiratory viruses” and is “much more contagious than COVID.” According to Whyte, a single person infected with measles can potentially infect 10 to 15 others.
To protect against infection, Whyte suggests being mindful of surroundings, wearing masks in areas with known cases, and practicing good hygiene. “Good handwashing” and cleaning surfaces are essential since the virus can linger on surfaces and spread through contact. Fox News Digital has reached out to KDHE for further comments on the situation.
