More measles cases found in southwest Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - Kansas is reporting more measles cases. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is reporting six cases.

The Morton County Health Department says three cases have been confirmed in that county, linked to a previous case identified in Stevens County last week.

KSN News asked the KDHE for more information. They sent us the following statement:

Since we announced the first case of measles last Thursday, we are now at six total cases in Kansas. The counties affected are Grant and Stevens. The age range is 0-17. No patients have been hospitalized at this time; and all are unvaccinated individuals."

Jill Bronaugh, Kansas Department of Health and Environment communcations director

According to the Centers for Disease Control, measles is highly contagious, and symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash. They appear seven to 14 days after contact.

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than 5. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. The CDC says the best way to protect against the virus is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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