Introduction

Measles has made a startling return to Kansas, with an alarming outbreak occurring in communities that exhibit dangerously low vaccination rates. Since the beginning of last week, the state has reported 10 cases across three counties, with more expected to emerge as health officials scramble to contain the situation.

First Case Reported

The first case was reported on March 13 in Stevens County—the first confirmed measles case in Kansas since 2018. This southwestern county is now on high alert, although there is uncertainty regarding whether this case is linked to a larger outbreak originating from West Texas.

Low Vaccination Rates

The measles issue is particularly concerning given the low vaccination coverage within the local school districts. According to state data for the 2023-2024 academic year, only 83% of kindergartners in Hugoton School District and 80% in Moscow School District received both doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, falling short of the 95% necessary for herd immunity against this highly contagious virus.

Current Situation in Stevens County

As of March 21, Stevens County has seen four confirmed cases, with two additional cases currently undergoing investigation. The county's health department has emphasized that they are actively working with affected individuals and their contacts to navigate this rapidly changing situation.

Spread to Neighboring Counties

To the west of Stevens County, Morton County has reported three confirmed cases that are directly linked to the outbreak. In Elkhart, the local kindergartener vaccination rate mirrors that of Stevens County at 83%, while the Rolla district's figures remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, Grant County to the north has reported three confirmed cases as well, although it benefits from a more robust vaccination coverage of 100% for kindergartners, likely positioning it better to manage the outbreak.

Lack of Detailed Information

The fast rise in cases has raised alarms, yet detailed information from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is sparse. The health department has not released further updates since March 13, leading to public concern and speculation. Local news outlet KWCH 12 News has reported that all initial cases involved unvaccinated individuals, and thankfully, no hospitalizations were recorded at that point.

The Infectious Nature of Measles

Measles is notoriously infectious; it can linger in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours, with 90% of unvaccinated people developing the disease upon exposure. Nationwide, vaccination rates have declined, causing gaps in herd immunity and increasing vulnerability to outbreaks. Previously, high vaccination rates had led to the virus being declared eliminated in the US in 2000, but experts now fear the country may lose that status, potentially leading to endemic measles once again.

National Context and Urgency

As of March 20, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had recorded a troubling total of 378 measles cases this year, a figure that is expected to rise following the alarming developments in Kansas and neighboring states. Texas is grappling with a significant outbreak, having reported 309 cases, along with 40 hospitalizations and, tragically, one death of an unvaccinated child. This outbreak appears to be affecting nearby states as well, as New Mexico reports 42 cases—including two hospitalizations and one death in an unvaccinated adult—and Oklahoma records four cases.

Call to Action

Health officials are urging communities, especially those with low vaccination rates, to take immediate action to protect their populations. Vaccination is the safest and most effective way to prevent measles and safeguard children from this highly contagious disease. Don't let complacency put your family at risk—get vaccinated today!