measles

Last month, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revised and reduced the childhood immunization schedule, paring down the recommended vaccines. That change won’t impact access to vaccinations, but Kansas City health officials believe it will heighten the burden on parents and providers.

The Kansas City Aviation Department expects nearly 400,000 people through the airport during Thanksgiving week, meaning an increased chance of local infections. One local group is helping travelers take proper precautions.

A community needs a vaccination rate of at least 95% to be adequately protected from measles outbreaks. In Missouri, the rate of vaccinated kindergarteners stands at 90%, while some areas have rates as low as 75%.

The last new Kansas measles cases were reported during the week of July 6. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 1,356 confirmed cases of measles as of last week.

As the U.S. records its highest number of measles cases in decades, one Wyandotte County district draws comfort from its high vaccination rate. Another is working to catch up.

In the last week, the Kansas health department has recorded four additional measles cases. That brings the state's total to 87, most of which are in southwest Kansas. The disease was declared eliminated 25 years ago.

Officials say an unvaccinated child in Sedgwick County has tested positive for measles.

With vaccine skepticism on the rise, immunization rates in decline and public funds disappearing, the country faces its largest measles outbreak since 2019.

Kansas City, Missouri, has not recorded a measles case since 2019 but that could soon change, as southwest Kansas is experiencing a measles outbreak this year. Officials say religious exemptions to vaccines are becoming more common, and giving deadly diseases a foothold.

Kansas has reported 37 cases of measles this year, but Wichita hasn't had a case since 2017. Doctors are bracing for when that finally happens.

Kansas has so far identified 37 measles cases this year — mostly among children — and the first Missouri measles case of the year was reported just last week. Dr. Sarah Boyd of Saint Luke's Health System says vaccinating is the best way to prevent contracting the airborne virus.

The state has identified 37 measles cases, mostly among children. That prompted Kelly to appear in Garden City and urge people to take action.