TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas health officials are releasing new information Friday in connection to a growing measles outbreak in the southwestern part of the state.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) issued an alert on March 28 stating the current measles outbreak has ties to ca
ses being reported in New Mexico and Texas. The exact source of the outbreak has yet to be determined.
"While genetic sequencing of the first Kansas case reported is consistent with a link to the Texas and New Mexico outbreaks, the source of exposure is still unknown. KDHE, along with local health departments in the affected counties, are notifying individuals who may have been exposed."
KDHE statement
The KDHE went on to report that, due to the highly contagious nature of measles, it is likely that more cases will continue to be identified in the outbreak zone and nearby areas. Unvaccinated individuals are at the greatest risk due to this outbreak.
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Twenty-three cases of measles are confirmed in areas of southwest Kansas for 2025, mostly among unvaccinated children and teenagers. Counties with positive cases include Stevens, Morton, Grant, Haskell, Gray and Kiowa.
The KDHE said it will continue to post new information about the growing outbreak on its website. More information about measles, its symptoms and how to stay safe can be found by clicking here.
Measles is a highly contagious disease with symptoms starting about seven to 14 days after infection, according to the CDC. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, small raised bumps and a rash which can also result in ear infections and diarrhea.
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The KDHE confirmed the first case of measles in a Kansas resident since 2018 on March 13, 2025. Multiple other cases were identified earlier this month.
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