Kansas Measles Outbreak Continues to Grow
Heather Braum | April 16, 2025
Kansas is now one of many states facing a major measles outbreak (its first in seven years), as eight Kansas counties have now reported 37 cases, as of April 16, 2025.
Of these, one case is or was hospitalized and 11 cases are under the age of five. Almost all cases are in unvaccinated individuals.
More than 700 cases have been reported nationally, significantly more than total reported cases in 2024 (285). And last week, Texas announced a second unvaccinated child died from measles.
For the latest Kansas measles outbreak data, visit the KDHE measles outbreak tracker (updated on Wednesdays). For the latest national data, visit the CDC measles outbreak tracker (updated on Fridays). Public health officials now acknowledge that cases are likely being underreported, as some families choose not to be tested or seek treatment.
The state's most updated from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are below.
Measles Threatens the Health of Kids and Communities
Measles is a highly contagious virus that will spread to nine out of ten unvaccinated people an infected person crosses paths with, particularly due to it living in the air of a room for up to two hours. The MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine is the best defense against contracting the illness.
Young kids under five, especially those too young to be vaccinated, are most at risk for measles complications, including ear infections, hospitalization, dehydration, pneumonia, encephalitis, immune amnesia, and death. That is why it is vital that everyone who can be vaccinated against measles is, especially in close group gathering situations, like schools and child care settings.
For those too young to be vaccinated, the American Academy of Pediatrics has a useful guide for protecting babies during a measles outbreak.
Measles (MMR) Vaccine Rate Data
The best defense against measles is when everyone who can receives both doses of the MMR vaccine.
The recommended schedule for the MMR vaccine is the first dose at 12-15 months and a second dose at ages 4-6. During a measles outbreak, it may be possible to get an infant vaccinated as young as six months if they are in the outbreak area, in a surrounding county, or if they are travelling overseas or to an area that has measles cases.
Because measles is so highly contagious, at least 95% vaccine coverage in the community is necessary to prevent disease spread and protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons, having compromised immune systems, or being too young.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment tracks vaccination data at both the school district and county levels. Unfortunately, according to Kansas kindergarten data tracking, the statewide MMR average uptake rate has been declining and was 90.2% for the 2023-2024 school year, well-below the 95% recommended coverage rate.
As vaccine hesitancy continues to grow, it is vital that Kansas lawmakers keep existing rules and laws in place to ensure communities have the best protections against once-eradicated diseases.
Community Action Steps
With lower-than-needed Kansas MMR vaccination rates and the national measles outbreak growing without an end in sight, it is critical that communities work on increasing vaccination rates.
Sharing accurate information from health officials, county health departments, and immunization groups like the Immunize Kansas Coalition (IKC) can help dispel harmful rhetoric about vaccinations.
If you or someone you know is unsure about where to go to receive an immunization, contact a Kansas local health department to start. Some communities are now hosting vaccine clinics in light of the measles outbreak and may make them available at low or no cost, especially for children.
Local medical providers, including pediatricians, community health centers, or school nurses, are also great resources to ask where adults or children can receive low-cost vaccinations.
If you are unaware of your family’s vaccine coverage, it is also possible to look up your own Kansas vaccine record online.
We’re in This Together
It takes time and community effort to end a measles outbreak. For the sake of Kansas kids – especially children too young to be vaccinated against the disease – Kansans should share information from trusted medical and health professionals about the measles vaccine and encourage those in their communities to remain up to date on their immunizations. Healthy Kansas kids are the future of our state; preventing the spread of diseases by getting vaccinated is one of the best things we can each do for each other and our state right now.
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