First Measles Case Since 2018 Confirmed in Kansas Amid National Vaccination Concerns and Public Health Cuts

March 14, 2025

Stevens County, Kansas — Health officials have confirmed a case of measles in Stevens County, marking the state’s first occurrence of the disease since 2018. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced that the infected individual is a resident of Stevens County, located in the southwestern part of the state. It remains unclear whether this case is linked to ongoing measles outbreaks elsewhere in the United States. (KDHE)

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. Early symptoms include fever exceeding 101°F, runny nose, cough, and red, watery eyes. Typically, a red rash appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body one to four days after these initial symptoms. Symptoms usually develop 10 to 14 days after exposure but can manifest as early as seven days or as late as 21 days post-exposure. (KDHE)

The KDHE, in collaboration with the Stevens County Health Department, is actively notifying individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. They emphasize the importance of isolation for those experiencing symptoms to prevent further transmission. (KDHE)

Growing Public Health Concerns Amid Federal Budget Cuts

This case emerges amid growing national concerns over declining vaccination rates and significant budgetary reductions affecting key public health agencies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is poised to lose approximately $1.3 billion in funding due to federal budget negotiations. (CNN) Such cuts could impair the agency’s ability to support state and local health departments, potentially hindering responses to outbreaks like measles. Public health experts warn that diminished resources may lead to weakened disease surveillance, reduced vaccination efforts, and staffing shortages impacting emergency preparedness and chronic disease prevention. (Infection Control Today)

Further compounding these challenges, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has also faced reductions, including the dismissal of approximately 5,200 probationary employees, with 1,300 coming from the CDC. (Wikipedia) The administration has proposed a 22% budget cut to the CDC, which could result in the elimination of the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. (AP News)

Declining Vaccination Rates Fuel Outbreaks

The resurgence of measles in Kansas underscores the critical need for maintaining high vaccination coverage. Health officials continue to advocate for immunizations as a safe and effective means of preventing the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have contributed to declining immunization rates. The CDC reported that during the 2021–2022 school year, approximately 93% of kindergartners nationwide received each of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis), polio, and varicella vaccines. This was down from 94% during the 2020–2021 school year and 95% coverage during 2019–2020. (KFF Health News)

The KDHE advises that the best way to prevent measles is to get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine, with the CDC recommending children receive their first dose at 12 to 15 months of age and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years. (KDHE)

As the nation grapples with these public health challenges, the situation in Kansas serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of vaccination and the need for robust public health infrastructure to protect communities from preventable diseases.

For more information on measles and vaccination recommendations, visit the KDHE’s official website. (KDHE)

This article is based on information available as of March 14, 2025. For the latest updates, please refer to official health department communications.