Kansas City reports first confirmed measles case since 2018

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and the Kansas City Health Department reported the first measles case in Kansas City since 2018.

In a news release, the Kansas City Health Department said the case was in an unvaccinated adult.

"Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The good news is that MMR vaccination is an effective way to prevent measles," said Dr. Marvia Jones, the director of the Kansas City Health Department. "We are working swiftly to identify the source of exposure and notify anyone who may have been exposed. We urge residents to review their vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they have symptoms such as fever, cough or rash."

The department said those most at risk of contracting the measles infection, are those who have not been vaccinated. Anyone born before 1957 who has been vaccinated is unlikely to get the measles.

Measles symptoms typically appear in seven to 14 days after contact with the virus.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever (may spike to more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
• Blotchy rash on the skin, which spreads from the head down to the feet

A rash typically appears three to five days after symptoms begin. The rash typically appears as flat, red spots that initially break out on the face, near the hairline and then spread downward toward the neck, trunk, arms, legs and feet.

Anyone with measles symptoms is encouraged to call their health care provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus. Additionally, those who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles are encouraged to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention.