The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Wyandotte County Health Department were notified of a case of measles in an out of state resident with international travel this week.

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

Health officials say the case  is not associated with the ongoing outbreak of measles in Johnson County.

Measles update: Additional cases and locations of possible exposure

The individual was treated at The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas and the hospital is currently contacting patients and employees who may have been exposed in specific areas. In addition, it is also possible visitors or others at the hospital were potentially exposed to measles on the following days and times in these areas:

  • Friday, March 23 between 10:45 AM until 1:00 PM in the Emergency Department Waiting Room;
  • Friday, March 23 between 10:45 AM and 9:30 PM, in the Emergency Department Patient Care Area;
  • From Friday, March 23 at 7:30 PM through Monday, March 26 at 4:00 PM in the first floor Unit 15 (cystic fibrosis and medical telemetry); and
  • Sunday, March 25 between noon and 2:00 PM in the Cafeteria

KDHE and the Wyandotte County Public Health Department urge people who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms to stay at home unless they are seeking medical care. Before visiting a healthcare provider, call ahead so that the provider can take measures to protect other patients and staff. The average number of days between when a person is exposed to measles, and when they first start showing symptoms is approximately 10 to 14 days (range of 7 to 21 days).

Measles is a respiratory disease caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. Symptoms of measles typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin a rash develops and usually starts on the face at the hairline and spreads down to the neck, trunk, arms, and legs. Measles can only be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears. The best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is extremely low.

How contagious is measles? Answer: Very

Because measles is a highly infectious disease, it is very important that if a person has been exposed and is starting to experience symptoms, they STAY HOME except to see a healthcare provider and limit their contact with people.