Measles has arrived in Kansas, infecting at least four individuals across three counties, including Stevens and Morton. The first case was reported on March 13 in Stevens County, which is experiencing a low vaccination rate among kindergartners. As of now, it’s unclear if the case is connected to an outbreak in West Texas.
Stevens County has seen two more cases since then, with one confirmed and one probable case added to the total count. The county’s health department has warned that there are pending cases, and they are working closely with identified individuals and their contacts.
Morton County, located near Stevens, has also reported three confirmed cases linked to the initial case in Stevens. Like Stevens County, Morton County has a low vaccination rate among kindergartners, particularly in Elkhart school district, where coverage was at 83 percent in the 2023-2024 school year.
The measles outbreak highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing community spread. According to state data, only 95 percent of children who receive their MMR vaccine are protected against measles. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that measles is one of the most infectious viruses known to humans.
As the situation continues to evolve, health officials stress the need for vigilance and vaccination efforts.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/health/2025/03/measles-takes-off-in-kansas-amid-low-vaccination-at-least-10-cases-reported