(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Sedgwick County Health Department report a confirmed case of measles in an unvaccinated child between the ages of 5 and 10 years old. The last measles case identified in Sedgwick County was in 2017.

Sedgwick County will hold a press conference at 1 p.m. at the Sedgwick County Health Department, 1900 E 9th Street N., Wichita, 67214.

“Measles remains one of the most contagious diseases, with the potential for serious complications. The best way to prevent measles is by getting vaccinated. Protect children by making sure they have the MMR vaccine.” said Adrienne Byrne, Sedgwick County Health Department Director. “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.”

Keep in mind this measles vaccination guidance:

  • People who are at risk for measles infection are those who have not been vaccinated.
  • Babies 6 to 11 months old in Sedgwick County can now receive the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine ahead of schedule per KDHE. Children should then follow the recommended vaccination schedule as they get older.
  • If you were born before 1957 or have been vaccinated with the MMR, you are unlikely to get measles. See MMR vaccine recommendations here: https://schd.online/MMR-recommendations.
  • If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure, CALL your healthcare provider or the Sedgwick County Health Department at 316-660-7300.

Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include:

  • High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
  • 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 head down to feet

Anyone with measles symptoms should call their healthcare provider before visiting to avoid spreading the virus.

For more information on measles, please visit: