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KS Health Department Confirm First Measles Case Since 2018

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Stevens County Health Department has confirmed a positive case of measles. Photo credit: Shutterstock (venusvi).

Posted March 18, 2025

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment and the Stevens County Health Department have confirmed one positive case of measles.

This is the first measles case in Kansas since 2018. It is currently unknown whether this case is linked to any ongoing measles outbreaks, according to a release.

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. As a highly infectious disease, anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms is recommended to isolate themselves from others.

Measles symptoms include a fever of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Symptoms can develop 10-14 days after exposure and can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.

Measles cases rarely occur in Kansas and are usually associated with international travel. The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the release.

Stevens County is around 400 miles from the Kansas City metro area.

As of March 13, 2025, a total of 301 confirmed measles cases were reported in 15 states including Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, New York State, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington, accordion to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.