The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has reported an increase in the number of measles cases in the southwest part of the state. The total number of cases has risen to 23.
The cases have been reported in Stevens, Morton, Grant, Haskell, Gray and Kiowa counties. Health officials said 21 of the cases are children, and the remaining two are people older than 17.
KDHE said this is a confirmed outbreak, and there is a possible connection to recent outbreaks in Texas and New Mexico.
Early symptoms of measles are a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Usually, one to four days after these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure. Symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.
Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Measles can be spread from an infected person to others from four days before, to four days after the rash appears.
Because measles is a highly infectious disease, health officials said it’s very important for anyone exposed and experiencing symptoms to isolate from others with the exception of visiting a health care provider.
