An outbreak of measles in southwest Kansas continues to grow. State health data shows 23 people in six counties have tested positive for measles since the start of this year. Data released on Wednesday showed the number of cases and counties affected by the spread have doubled.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment first reported a measles case in Stevens County March 13, stating it was the first measles case in Kansas since 2018. But the state’s measles dashboard also shows two cases, one in January and one in February. A state health department spokesperson said those cases were “retrospectively identified” and part of the current outbreak. The eight other cases were recorded this month.
Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly said during a health conference in Wichita that state officials are closely monitoring the outbreak and are ensuring infected people are isolated. She also urged Kansans to get vaccinated.
“They are safe and effective,” Kelly said. “I have two kids. They were both vaccinated. They are alive and well.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classify a measles outbreak as three or more cases linked to each other. This makes Kansas one of the most recent states with a measles outbreak. Texas has the largest outbreak, with more than 300 cases of the measles. Health experts say the disease can lead to serious complications, hospitalization or death.
The CDC has confirmed one death amid the outbreak in Texas. In New Mexico, health officials are investigating the cause of death for a person who tested positive for measles.
The ongoing spread of the illness in Kansas comes as state lawmakers in Topeka are considering a bill that includes loosening vaccine requirements in child care regulations.
The bill is aimed at reducing specific fees and training requirements for early child care facilities. But a provision expands religious exemptions for vaccines that are required for child care programs. The Kansas House recently approved the bill with bipartisan support.
Kansas vaccine advocates argue the requirement changes could reduce vaccine rates amid a growing public health issue.
“The more unvaccinated children you have in a setting, the more likely it is that measles or whatever will go through the population,” said Rabbi Moti Rieber, executive director for Kansas Interfaith Action.
What is measles?
Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious infection caused by a virus. It spreads through the air.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection and prevention at the University of Kansas Health System, said the illness can linger in the air for up to two hours. He said he expects to see the number of cases in Kansas rise because of how easy measles spreads.
“With the decrease in overall vaccine rates, I think we have to expect there to be more cases,” he said, “Just because the less people vaccinated means more people that are susceptible to the disease.”
Hawkinson said measles can potentially cause severe health problems, like pneumonia. In rare cases, it can lead to brain damage and deafness. He said one in five people who contract measles are hospitalized and it can be deadly.
“This can be a very devastating disease,” Hawinkson said. “It is unfortunate because we know we have the best proactive safety measure, and that is the vaccine.”
State health officials say nine of the 10 Kansans who tested positive for measles were unvaccinated, and one was under vaccinated.
