• Sedgwick County, Kansas, reports its first measles case since 2017 in an unvaccinated child exposed during out-of-county travel, leading to a public health alert.
• The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reports 48 confirmed measles cases statewide, with Sedgwick County not yet included in the southwest Kansas outbreak numbers.
• Health officials urge vaccination, particularly for those born between 1957-1967 (due to a less effective vaccine formula) and infants 6-11 months in Sedgwick County, and identify a potential exposure site in Wichita.

A measles outbreak is unfolding in Kansas, marked by a recent case in Sedgwick County, its first since 2017. The case involves an unvaccinated child between 5 and 10 years old who contracted the virus while traveling outside of the county. This development has prompted health officials to emphasize the importance of vaccination and to alert the public about potential exposure sites. Statewide, the KDHE reports a total of 48 confirmed measles cases. The outbreak highlights the contagiousness of measles and the necessity of proactive public health measures.

• What: A measles outbreak with confirmed cases in multiple counties in Kansas, including Sedgwick County's first case since 2017.
• Who: Unvaccinated children, individuals born between 1957 and 1967, and potentially anyone who visited Carnicerías El Güero No. 1 in Wichita on April 29 between 6:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
• When: Confirmed case reported May 7, 2025, with potential exposure on April 29, 2025. Outbreak ongoing as of May 8, 2025.
• Where: Sedgwick County (Wichita), southwest Kansas, and Carnicerías El Güero No. 1 at 524 W. 21st Street North in Wichita.

The measles outbreak in Kansas is a significant public health concern, particularly with the confirmation of a case in Sedgwick County after a period of no reported cases since 2017. The fact that the affected child was unvaccinated underscores the critical role of vaccinations in preventing the spread of this highly contagious disease. Health officials are strategically targeting specific populations for vaccination updates, including those who received a less effective vaccine in the past and infants in the affected county. The identification of a potential exposure site allows for targeted public health interventions, such as advising potentially exposed individuals to monitor for symptoms and seek medical advice.

Anyone born during that time frame can get another vaccine.

The way viruses work is that it will soon make its way across the US, or at least that's what we anticipated. So then we started seeing cases in other counties, and we knew that it was within the state, and so we've been prepared for its arrival.

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.

The measles outbreak in Kansas, particularly the case in Sedgwick County, highlights the ongoing need for vigilance in vaccination efforts. Public health officials are actively working to contain the spread of the virus through vaccination recommendations, exposure site alerts, and public awareness campaigns. The situation remains dynamic, and continued monitoring and adherence to public health guidelines are crucial to mitigating the outbreak's impact. Individuals are encouraged to review their vaccination status and consult with healthcare providers to ensure adequate protection against measles.