Johnson County and state health authorities confirmed Friday that there were two cases of measles in Johnson County, Kan.
Measles, a respiratory disease, is highly contagious and is spread through the air by breathing, coughing, or sneezing. The signs and symptoms of measles typically begin one to two weeks after someone is exposed to an infected person.
“The best way to keep from getting the disease is by being vaccinated. Protect children by making sure they have the MMR vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old, and again before they enter kindergarten,” said Dr. Robert Moser, KDHE secretary and state health officer.
With the creation of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, measles cases are rare in the United States; however, it still sickens approximately 20 million and kills 164,000 people worldwide each year.
Symptoms of measles include:
• Fever
• Blotchy rash on the skin, which spreads from the head to the trunk then to the lower extremities (Measles can be spread to others from four days before to four days after the rash appears.)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Feeling run down, achy
• Tiny white spots with bluish-white centers found inside
the mouth (Koplik’s spots)
Those who have a fever should stay home, except to see a health care provider. Call ahead to the health care provider so appropriate measures can be made to protect others, health officials said.
Those at high risk for severe illness and complications from measles include infants, children under 5, adults over 20 years old, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems.