Important Measles Updates

Kansas now has confirmed cases of measles, part of a growing nationwide increase. While there are currently no reported outbreaks in the Lawrence area, it is important for parents to stay informed. At Heartland Community Health Center and Panda Pediatrics, we will keep our patients up-to-date with any new developments regarding Measles in our immediate area.

Measles Outbreak in Kansas

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported an outbreak of 23 measles cases in southwest Kansas, nearly all among unvaccinated individuals. Nationally, 483 confirmed cases have been reported across 19 states, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Due to the highly contagious nature of measles, additional cases are likely to emerge in affected areas of Kansas and surrounding counties, particularly among unvaccinated individuals.

How Measles Spreads

Measles is an airborne virus that spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or even breathes. The virus can remain in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area.

Symptoms and Complications

Measles typically begins 7–14 days after exposure with symptoms such as:

• High fever (which may exceed 104°F)

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red, watery eyes

Progression of Symptoms:

• 2–3 days after symptoms begin: Small white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

• 3–5 days after symptoms begin: A red, blotchy rash develops, starting at the hairline and spreading downward. During this time, fever may spike above 104°F.

Measles can lead to serious complications, including ear infections, pneumonia, croup, diarrhea, and in severe cases, brain inflammation and long-term health issues.

MMR Vaccination: The Best Protection

Keeping your child up to date on their vaccinations is the most effective way to protect them from measles. The current guidance for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine remains:

• The first dose is recommended at 12 months of age, with a second dose at 4-6 years.

• Infants as young as 6 months can receive the vaccine if traveling internationally or to an area with an active outbreak. However, they will still need the full two-dose series after 12 months.

• A dose given before 12 months does not count toward full vaccination.

Stay Informed

We are closely monitoring public health updates and will provide any new guidance as it becomes available. KDHE will continue to post new information about the growing outbreak on its website.

This is an evolving situation, and public health recommendations may change. If you have any concerns about your child’s MMR vaccination status, please contact Panda Pediatrics at (785) 842-4477. 

If you have questions about your own immunity status, talk to your primary care provider for recommendations.