The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported a positive case of measles in a resident of Stevens County. It’s 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.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. 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 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.
