KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – An unvaccinated adult has been confirmed to have measles in the Kansas City area.
The Kansas City Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced Tuesday afternoon that they have reported the first confirmed case of measles in a Kansas City resident since 2018.
“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, director of the Kansas City Health Department, in a release. “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.”
Health officials cautioned that those at risk of measles infection are people who have not been vaccinated.
Anyone born before 1957 or who has been vaccinated with the MMR is unlikely to get measles, the health department stated.
Symptoms typically appear 7-14 days after contact with the virus. Common 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 the head down to the feet
“We are urging people who are ill or exhibiting symptoms similar to measles to stay home unless they are seeking medical attention,” the health department stated. “Before visiting a healthcare provider, please call ahead and let the provider know of the measles exposure so that steps can be taken to protect other patients and staff, especially if you have a fever and rash.”
If you have not been vaccinated or are unsure, call your healthcare provider or the Kansas City Health Department at 816-513-6152.
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