Measles outbreak in Kansas linked to low vaccination rates

Measles has returned to Kansas and is spreading quickly in areas with low vaccination rates. Recently, 10 cases have been reported across three counties, starting with a single case on March 13 in Stevens County. This is the first measles case in the state since 2018. It is unclear if this case is linked to an ongoing outbreak in West Texas. Stevens County has very low vaccination rates among kindergartners. In the Hugoton district, only 83% of children have received their required two doses of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Moscow district’s rate is even lower at 80%. Public health experts recommend that at least 95% of the population be vaccinated to prevent outbreaks. In addition to Stevens County, Morton County and Grant County have reported cases linked to the outbreak. Morton County confirmed three more cases, where vaccination rates are also low at 83%. Conversely, Grant County has 100% vaccination coverage among kindergartners, which may help protect it from the outbreak. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has not provided updated information since March 13. Officials are actively monitoring the situation, and the outbreak is now considered to be a public health emergency. Measles is highly contagious and can remain active in the air for two hours after an infected person leaves an area. Nationwide, vaccination rates have dropped, leading to concerns about losing herd immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 378 measles cases in the U.S. so far this year, not including the latest cases from Kansas and the Texas outbreak, which has resulted in hospitalizations and even one death.