KC Health Department Urges Measles Preparedness Amidst Rising Cases

Posted April 30, 2025

The Kansas City Health Department held a press conference Tuesday to address the increasing risk of a measles outbreak in the area and precautions to protect residents.

As of April 30, a total of 46 cases of measles have been confirmed in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. There has only been one confirmed case of measles in Bleton, Missouri.

“As of two weeks ago, we also have a case in the Branson area, so it’s clear to us that measles is just a car ride away from Kansas Citians, and so as people start thinking about traveling and vacationing, we want to be prepared internally,” health director for the Kansas City Health Department, Dr. Marvia Jones said.

As a precaution, the department announced extended immunization hours starting May 14, 2025: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Additionally, a Saturday Immunization Clinic will begin on May 17, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The KCHD is offering free vaccines to children 18 and under.

The threshold for vaccination rates is 95% to reach herd immunity. The KCHD said three zip code areas have fallen below the desired threshold. The three areas include: 64114 (Ward Parkway into Waldo) at 93% herd immunity, 64151 (near Lake Waukomis) at 92% herd immunity and 64155 (Staley Farms) at 84% herd immunity.

Religious exemption from vaccination has doubled in the 64155 area code since 2019, from 7% to 14%.

Nearly 900 confirmed cases of measles have been recorded in the U.S. in 2025, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing.