Health officials in northeast Kansas have confirmed a case of measles in an Osage County resident, prompting public health warnings and ongoing exposure investigations.
According to the Osage County Health Department, the resident was exposed to measles outside the state of Kansas. Officials emphasized that measles is not currently spreading within Kansas at this time.
The announcement comes after the Shawnee County Health Department reported a measles exposure event at Topeka Baptist Church, located at 3301 SW Gage Blvd. in Topeka. The exposure reportedly occurred on Sunday, May 3, between 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Health officials have not yet confirmed whether the newly identified Osage County case is connected to the exposure reported at the church.
Individuals who were present at the church during the exposure window are being asked to monitor for symptoms through at least May 24, 2026.
Early symptoms of measles can include a fever above 101 degrees, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. A red rash typically appears one to four days later, beginning on the face before spreading across the body.
Officials noted that measles symptoms generally develop 10 to 14 days after exposure, though symptoms may appear as early as seven days or as late as 21 days afterward.
The Osage County Health Department, Shawnee County Health Department, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment are working together to notify anyone who may have been exposed.
The Shawnee County Health Department advised susceptible individuals who attended the church during the exposure period to avoid working in healthcare facilities, correctional facilities, adult care homes, schools, childcare facilities, and adult day care centers until at least May 24.
Officials say a person is considered susceptible to measles if they were born in 1957 or later and are not appropriately vaccinated, do not have laboratory-confirmed immunity, or do not have documentation of a previous measles infection.
Measles is considered one of the most contagious respiratory diseases and can spread easily without close personal contact.
Health officials are encouraging residents to ensure they and their family members are vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, monitor for symptoms, practice proper hygiene, and contact healthcare providers before visiting medical facilities if exposure or symptoms are suspected.
Additional information about measles and the MMR vaccine is available through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment measles information page and the Shawnee County Health Department measles page.
