McPHERSON COUNTY, Kan. — As of this release, there have been no reported measles (rubeola) cases in McPherson County. The McPherson County Health Department is investigating close contacts.
Reno County Health Department and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reported a confirmed case of measles in Reno County on May 10, 2025. As a county that borders Reno County, the Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine recommendations have changed for McPherson County residents.
- Infants 6-11 months old may immediately receive one early dose of MMR vaccine. They should receive routine MMR vaccine again at 12 months and 4 years of age for a total of 3 MMR doses.
- Children older than 12 months who have not been vaccinated should receive one dose of MMR vaccine immediately. A second dose should follow 28 days later. A third dose is not needed.
- Children older than 12 months who have one prior dose of MMR vaccine should receive an early second dose separated by at least 28 days. A third dose is not needed.
- Teens and adults with no evidence of immunity* should receive one dose of MMR vaccine immediately. A second dose should follow 28 days later. A third dose is not needed.
- Teens and adults with one prior dose of MMR vaccine should receive a second dose separated by at least 28 days. A third dose is not needed.
*A person is considered immune to measles if any of the following conditions are met:
- History of measles disease that is documented by a physician OR
- Laboratory evidence of immunity OR
- Documentation of age-appropriate vaccination status with the MMR vaccine OR
- Born before 1957
Please call McPherson County Health Department at 620-241-1753 to schedule a MMR vaccine appointment or speak with your healthcare provider.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious disease. Prevent infection by washing your hands, maintaining a nutritious diet, staying hydrated, and confirming you and your family are vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Measles is spread in the air and by droplets and will live in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person has left the space, which makes the disease highly contagious. After exposure, symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days later. Initial measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and sore throat. Days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. A red or reddish-brown rash that typically begins at the hairline and spreads down the body appears and may be accompanied by an extremely high fever. Someone with measles is contagious from 4 days before the rash to 4 days after the rash appears.
If you believe you have been exposed to measles or have symptoms, please isolate immediately and CALL your healthcare provider. Always call before going to a clinic or hospital so they can prepare for your arrival and prevent the spread to others.
Information, helpful resources, and public releases like this document will be posted to the McPherson County website under the Health Department page in the Infectious Disease subsection (https://www.mcphersoncountyks.us/1077/Measles-Rubeola).
