by Janeth Vazquez

LIBERAL, KS – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has confirmed a case of measles in Stevens County. At this time, no cases have been identified in Seward County.

Measles Symptoms and Timeline:
Early symptoms of measles include:

Fever higher than 101°F
Runny nose
Cough
Red, watery eyes
One to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash typically appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms generally develop 10-14 days after exposure but can appear as early as seven days or as late as 21 days.

How Measles Spreads:
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that spreads through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. An infected person can spread the virus to others from four days before the rash appears to four days afterward. Wearing a mask is an effective way to help stop the spread of measles.

Prevention and Vaccination:
The best way to prevent measles is through vaccination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following guidelines for the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine:

Children should receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months old and a second dose at age 4 to 6.
Infants ages 6 through 11 months should receive the MMR vaccine if traveling outside the United States.
Adults are considered protected if they have received at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test.
One dose of MMR is 93% effective and two doses is 97% effective.
Recommended Actions for Exposed Individuals:
If you have been exposed to someone with measles and are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, follow these steps:

Consult with a healthcare provider to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
Avoid public settings for 21 days from the last exposure unless symptoms develop.
If symptoms do develop, notify the local health department and isolate until four days after the rash appears.
If seeking healthcare, call ahead to inform your provider, the emergency room, urgent cares, and the health department about symptoms and exposure to help limit the risk of spreading the virus in healthcare settings.
Reporting Requirements:
Per Kansas Administrative Regulation 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. Healthcare providers, laboratories, and hospitals must notify KDHE immediately if they suspect, test, or diagnose a case of measles. Teachers and school administrators are also required by law to report suspected cases to KDHE.

While measles cases are rare in Kansas, they are often linked to international travel. For additional information, please contact the Seward County Health Department at (620) 626-3369 or the KDHE Epidemiology Hotline at (877) 427-7317 (option 5).