Kansas Reports 3 Additional Measles Cases

Three new measles cases have been reported in Johnson County, Kansas, reports the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

Since March 8, 2018, 13 measles cases have been identified, 11 Johnson County residents, 1 Linn County resident and 1 Miami County resident.

KDHE urges people who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms to stay at home unless they are seeking medical care.

KDHE along with the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment, Linn County Department of Health, and the Miami County Department of Health have been able to identify where and when each case became infected.

KDHE says if you visited these places at these times, be aware that you may have been exposed to measles:

• Walgreens; 7500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO; March 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Chick-fil-A; 12087 S. Blackbob Road, Olathe, KS; March 24 from 8:15 PM til close
• Chuck E. Cheese’s; 15225 W. 134th Place, Olathe, KS; March 21, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

According to KDHE, these measles cases are related to a daycare facility in Johnson County, Kansas.

But, secondary cases are now appearing in the general population.

Which means, if you have visited one or more of these locations on the dates and times listed you may have been exposed to measles:

• Aldi’s; 15290 W. 119th St Olathe, KS 66062; on March 2nd from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM,
• Payless Discount Foods; 2101 E. Santa Fe St, Olathe, KS; on March 6th from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM,
• El Potro Mexican Café; 602 N Pearl St, Paola, KS on March 7th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM,
• Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas; 5808 W 110th St, Overland Park, KS on March 8th and March 10th in the morning,
• Budget Coin Laundry; 798 E Main St, Gardner, KS; on March 9th from 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM,
• Olathe YMCA swimming pool and locker room; 21400 W. 153rd St, Olathe, KS; on March 10th from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM,
• Bath and Body Works at Legends Outlets; 1803 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS; on March 10th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM,
• Crazy 8 at Legends Outlets; 1843 Village W Pkwy, Kansas City, KS; on March 10th after 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM,
• Orange Leaf; 11524 W 135th St Overland Park, KS; on March 10th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

KDHE Chief Health Officer, Dr. Greg Lakin said: “Measles is so contagious that any person exposed to it and is not immune, will likely contract the disease.”

“Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.”

The University of Kansas Hospital reported a person who was treated at the hospital from Friday, March 23, to Monday, March 26, has tested positive for the highly contagious viral illness.

The KDHE said this case is not related to the Johnson County daycare outbreak, as this person contracted measles during international travel.

If you have had measles or have been previously vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is extremely low.

KDHE urges 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 and notify the provider to take measures to protect other patients and staff.

The best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, said KDHE.

For questions call the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment at 913-477-8343 or the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at 877-427-7317.

Vaccination with at least two doses remains the most effective measure to prevent the further spread of measles.

In the USA, two approved measles vaccines are available, MMR-II and ProQuad.

The CDC Vaccine Price List provides the private sector vaccine prices for general information, and vaccine discounts can be found here.

Most pediatricians and pharmacies offer the MMR vaccine.

Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects, says the CDC. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of vaccines to the FDA or CDC.