Kansas Faces Measles Surge: 10 Cases Confirmed

Kansas has joined the growing list of U.S. states grappling with measles outbreaks, with 10 cases reported across Grant, Morton, and Stevens counties as of March 21, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

All the cases involve children aged 0 to 17, nine of whom were unvaccinated, while one had received only one dose of the recommended two-dose MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine. Thankfully, no hospitalizations or deaths have been reported so far.

KDHE is warning that additional cases are "likely to occur" in the outbreak area and nearby counties due to measles' infamous contagiousness, especially among unvaccinated populations. Nationwide, measles infections are on the rise, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recording 378 cases in 2025 as of March 21. West Texas is currently facing the largest outbreak, with 327 confirmed cases as of March 25.

Healthcare providers are being advised to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and the signature rash that spreads across the face and body. The KDHE has also directed suspected and infected patients to isolate at home for four days following the appearance of the rash.

In addition to recommending vaccination, health officials are urging people to adopt preventive measures such as wearing masks in outbreak areas, practicing good handwashing habits, and keeping surfaces clean to minimize the risk of transmission.

Dr. John Whyte, WebMD's chief medical officer, highlighted the severity of measles during a recent Fox News Digital interview. "Measles is much more contagious than COVID," he emphasized, noting that an infected person can spread the virus to 10-15 others with ease.

"Good hygiene and awareness of your surroundings can go a long way in protecting yourself," Whyte added, pointing out the virus droplets' ability to cling to surfaces and spread through contact.

To curb the outbreak, KDHE recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and adults, particularly in affected counties. The department is also advising susceptible individuals to avoid schools, childcare facilities, healthcare sites, and other public settings for 21 days after exposure.