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Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN): Infant MMR Vaccination Recommendations
Respiratory Resources

IKC is pleased to share the latest measles/MMR vaccine information and resources. We will continue to update this page as the situation evolves. Check back often.

*Now with Spanish-language versions available!


Measles/MMR Vaccine Resource Hub

Measles (rubeola) is more than “just a rash,” it's a highly contagious viral illness that can cause severe health complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and death, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
With the rising outbreaks of measles across the United States, and the first measles-related death in a decade, it's crucial to stay alert and informed. Understanding measles, its symptoms, and how to stay protected is essential for keeping our communities safe.

  • Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. (source: CDC)
  • Your best defense against measles is a measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, with two doses being 97% effective at preventing measles (one dose is 93% effective). The vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if administered to an unvaccinated person within 3 days after an exposure. (source: KDHE, Immunize.Org)
  • The MMR vaccine can keep a child in school if they are exposed but vaccinated.

2025 Confirmed Measles Cases*

*Sources: CDC (last updated April 25, 2025)
Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma & Texas (last updated May 2, 2025)

Kansas 2025 Measles Outbreak
Affected Counties and Surrounding Counties*

Click map for full size image

Click here for updated MMR vaccine recommendations

Kansas Measles Outbreaks by County Map
Kansas Measles Outbreaks by County Map Legend
*Source: KDHE (last updated April 30, 2025)

General Resources for Parents & Community

Symptoms

  • Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with:
    • High fever (may spike to more than 104°F)
    • Cough
    • Runny nose (coryza)
    • Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis/pink eye)
  • 2-3 days after symptoms begin, tiny white spots (koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth.

  • Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. In a typical presentation, which might be seen in under or unimmunized individuals, it usually begins as flat red spotsthat spread from the head to the trunk, and then out to the arms and legs. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
    • Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
    • The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
    • When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.
    Measles in vaccinated individuals may present mildly, with low-grade or no fever and atypical rash. For additional images of measles rash, refer to CDC Photos of Measles or Immunize.org Measles Images (warning: some images are graphic).

    Complications

    Measles can be serious in all age groups. However, children younger than 5 years of age, adults older than 20 years of age, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are more likely to suffer from measles complications.

  • Common Complications
    • Ear Infections
    • Diarrhea
  • Severe Complications in Children and Adults
    • Hospitalization
        About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
    • Pneumonia
        As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
    • Encephalitis
        About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
    • Death
        Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
    • Complications during pregnancy
        If you are pregnant and have not had the MMR vaccine, measles may cause birth prematurely, or have a low-birth-weight baby.

    What to do if you've been exposed to measles

    If you suspect you or one of your family members has been exposed to measles, call your healthcare provider or local health department immediately - please do not go directly to your healthcare provider or health department. Measles is the most contagious disease known to exist, and it could easily be spread to others at a doctor's office or health department if proper precautions aren't taken prior to your arrival.

    If an individual has known exposure to someone with measles and they are not immune through vaccination or prior infection, they are recommended to:

    • Consult with a health care provider immediately to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is recommended.
    • Exclude themselves from public settings for 21 days from the last time they were exposed unless symptoms develop.
    • If symptoms develop, individuals should notify their local health department and stay away from public areas until four days after the rash appeared. Individuals seeking health care are advised to call ahead to their health care provider and let them know their symptoms and exposure concerns. This will help limit exposure within the healthcare setting.
    • There is no treatment or cure for measles. Medical care is supportive and can help relieve symptoms and address any complications that may develop.

      An MMR vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if administered to an unvaccinated person within 3 days after an exposure (source: KDHE)

    How to stay protected through vaccination

    The best defense against measles is the MMR vaccine, with two doses being 97% effective against measles (one dose is 93% effective). The vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.

    KDHE is issuing the following recommendations for counties that are impacted by this outbreak of measles and adjacent counties: Kansas Health Alert Network (KS-HAN) Advisory

    • Infants 6 through 11 months receive an early dose of MMR vaccine (i.e., infant dose). Subsequent doses should follow CDC’s recommended childhood schedule:
      • Another dose at 12 through 15 months of age and
      • A final dose at 4 through 6 years of age.
      • Note: The above only applies to the MMR vaccine. The MMRV vaccine is NOT recommended for infants under 12 months old
    Adults are protected from measles if they have had at least one dose of the MMR vaccine, were born before 1957, or have evidence of immunity from a blood test When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated (coverage >95%) most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity).

    *Click Graphic to Expand Source: CHOP Vaccine Education Center

    Resources for Providers

    Per K.A.R. 28-1-2, measles is a four-hour reportable disease. If a health care provider, laboratory or hospital suspects, tests, or diagnoses an individual with measles, KDHE should be notified immediately.

    IKC's "Protect Against Measles" Campaign

    Flyers

    Social Media Toolkit



    English Flyers

    Measles Isn't Just a Rash Flyer IKC's Measles Isn't Just a Rash Flyer

    Partners are welcome to co-brand and add their own logo or contact info to the flyer.

    Measles Isn't Just a Rash Flyer (Office Print Version) IKC's Measles Isn't Just a Rash Flyer (For-Co-branding)

    Partners are welcome to co-brand and add their own logo or contact info to the flyer.



    KDHE x IKC Updated MMR Vaccine Recommendations
    (Full Color Version)
    Updated Measles (MMR) Vaccination Recommendations

    This can be a standalone flyer or the back page of the above flyer.
    (Social media graphic version available here.)

    KDHE x IKC Updated MMR Vaccine Recommendations
    (Office Print Version)
    Updated Measles (MMR) Vaccination Recommendations (Office Printing)

    This can be a standalone flyer or the back page of the above flyer.
    (Social media graphic version available here.)

    IKC's Social Media Toolkit

    Click on an image to view and save to your computer.
    Please be sure to tag IKC when sharing on social media so we can amplify the message of protecting against measles!
    Facebook & IG: ImmunizeKSCoalition X: ImmKSCoalition

    Suggested Hashtags: #Measles #MeaslesOutbreak #MMR #MMRVaccine #MeaslesVaccine #MeaslesSymptoms #Parents #MeaslesAwareness #MeaslesComplications #VaccinesSaveLives #VaccineSafety #CommunityImmunity #HerdImmunity

    Know the Symptoms of Measles Social Media Graphic

    Caption: 🤒 Worried about measles? If you think you or one of your family members may have been exposed and are experiencing the following symptoms, it could be measles!
    Symptoms of measles usually begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Two or three days after, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. Three to five days later, the start of a rash will spread.
    📞 Call your healthcare provider or local health department right away to avoid potentially spreading it to others. There is no treatment or cure for measles, but a healthcare provider can help relieve symptoms and address any complications that may develop. An MMR vaccine can also prevent or reduce the severity of infection if received within 3 days after an exposure.
    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola

     What Measles Can Look Like Social Media graphic

    Caption: With measles outbreaks on-the-rise, it's always best to ensure that your child is up-to-date on their measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccinations. Measles vaccination is ✅ 97% effective (one dose is 93% effective) at preventing measles, which can potentially develop into severe complications like pneumonia, the most common cause of measles-related death in children. Talk to your child's healthcare provider to keep your little one healthy and thriving! 🌟
    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.immunize.org/news/iz-express/issue/1802/#IZ1, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html

    If Your Child Has Measles Social Media Graphic

    Caption: Measles is serious and can spread quickly. If your child has measles, it's important to take precautions before giving it to others!

    • Call Your Healthcare Provider! 📞 Symptoms of measles usually begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Two or three days after, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. Three to five days later, the start of a rash will spread.
    • Stay at Home! 🏠 Stay away from family and friends for up to 4 days after the rash begins to prevent passing measles to others. Up to 9 out of 10 people close to an infected person will become infected themselves if they lack immunity to measles.
    • Get Protected! 💪To reduce the chance of severe side effects and protect your child from future infections, talk to your child's healthcare provider about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine - it's 97% effective at preventing measles (one dose is 93% effective)!

    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html

    Measles 101 Social Media Graphic

    Caption: Measles is a serious disease that spreads quickly by something as simple as a cough or a sneeze! 🤧 It's one of the most contagious diseases in the world. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected.
    To protect your child from serious complications from measles, like brain swelling, pneumonia, and even death, ensure they are caught up on their MMR vaccinations. The vaccine is given in two doses: the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second at 4 to 6 years of age.
    Choose protection - the MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles (one dose is 93% effective)! ✅
    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html

    The Risk of Measles vs. Vaccination Social Media Graphic

    Caption: The risk of measles greatly outweighs any potential side-effects from the MMR vaccine. Would you ever risk your child riding in a car without a seatbelt? 🚗 Or on a boat without a lifejacket? 🚤
    About 3 out of 10 people who get measles will develop complications, and 1 out of 5 unvaccinated people with an infection will be hospitalized. Don't risk your child experiencing severe complications like pneumonia or brain swelling.
    💪 The measles vaccination is 97% effective at preventing measles (one dose is 93% effective) - keeping your child healthy and thriving! 🌟
    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html, and https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/mmr-infographic.pdf

    What Measles Looks Like Social Media Graphic

    Caption: Measles is more than “just a rash.” It's highly contagious and can lead to severe illness, resulting in hospitalization. 🤒 Symptoms of measles usually begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes (pink eye). Two or three days after, tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth. Three to five days later, the start of a rash will spread. If you think your child may have been exposed to measles, 📞call your healthcare provider or local health department right away to avoid spreading it to others. There is no treatment or cure for measles, but a healthcare provider can help relieve symptoms and address any complications that may develop.
    For more information visit: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles or https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Source: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45

    IKC's Measles Isn't Just a Rash Flyer (For-Co-branding)

    Caption: Measles cases continue to rise across the United States, including in our Kansas communities. 🚨 In response to the outbreak, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment has issued updated guidance on the #MMR vaccine for counties that are impacted by the current #outbreak of measles and adjacent Kansas counties. #Vaccines are our best defense against the spread of measles. 🌻💪
    View KDHE's HAN for additional details: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1493
    For information on measles and resources to share in your community: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles

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    Por favor, asegúrate de etiquetar a IKC cuando lo compartas en redes sociales para que podamos ¡difundir el mensaje de protección contra el sarampión!
    Facebook & IG: ImmunizeKSCoalition X: ImmKSCoalition

    Etiquetas sugeridas: #Sarampión #Brotedesarampión #MMR #VacunaMMR #Vacunacontraelsarampión #Síntomasdesarampión #Padres #Concientizaciónsobresarampión #Complicacionesdelsarampión #Lasvacunassalvanvidas #Seguridaddelavacuna #Inmunidadcomunitaria #Inmunidadgrupal

    Know the Symptoms of Measles Social Media Graphic

    Texto: 🤒 ¿Te preocupa el sarampión? Si piensas que tú o algún miembro de tu familia pudieron haber estado expuestos y experimentan los siguientes síntomas, ¡podría ser sarampión!
    Por lo general, los síntomas de sarampión comienzan con fiebre, tos, secreción nasal y ojos rojos. Dos o tres días después, pueden aparecer manchas blancas diminutas dentro de la boca. De tres a cinco días más tarde, el sarpullido empezará a propagarse.
    📞📞Llama inmediatamente a tu proveedor de atención médica o departamento de salud local para evitar una posible propagación a otras personas. No hay tratamiento o cura para el sarampión, pero un proveedor de atención médica puede ayudar a aliviar los síntomas y atender cualquier complicación que se pueda desarrollar. Una vacuna MMR también puede prevenir o disminuir la gravedad de la infección si se recibe en los 3 días siguientes a la exposición.
    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola

     What Measles Can Look Like Social Media graphic

    Texto: Con los brotes de sarampión en aumento, es siempre mejor garantizar que tu hijo esté al día con sus vacunas contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola (MMR). La vacunación contra el sarampión es ✅ 97% efectiva (una dosis es 93% efectiva) en la prevención del sarampión, que posiblemente puede desarrollarse en complicaciones graves, como neumonía, la causa más común de muerte relacionada con sarampión en niños. ¡Habla con el proveedor de atención médica de tu hijo para mantener a tu pequeñín sano y salvo!🌟
    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.immunize.org/news/iz-express/issue/1802/#IZ1, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/signs-symptoms/index.html

    If Your Child Has Measles Social Media Graphic

    Texto: El sarampión es grave y se puede propagar rápidamente. Si tu hijo tiene sarampión, ¡es importante tomar precauciones antes de contagiar a otros!

    • ¡Llama a tu proveedor de atención médica! 📞 📞Los síntomas de sarampión generalmente inician con fiebre, tos, secreción nasal y ojos rojos. Dos o tres días después, pueden aparecer manchas blancas diminutas dentro de la boca. De tres a cinco días después, el sarpullido empezará a propagarse.
    • ¡Quédate en casa! 🏠 Permanece alejado de la familia y amigos hasta 4 días después de que inicie el sarpullido para prevenir que se propague el sarampión a otras personas. Hasta 9 de cada 10 personas cercanas a una persona infectada se infectarán si carecen de inmunidad frente al sarampión.
    • ¡Protégete! 💪Para disminuir la posibilidad de efectos secundarios graves y proteger a tu hijo de futuras infecciones, habla con el proveedor de atención médica de tu hijo sobre la vacuna contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola (MMR): ¡es 97% efectiva en la prevención del sarampión (una dosis es 93% efectiva)!

    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html

    Measles 101 Social Media Graphic

    Texto: El sarampión es una enfermedad grave que se propaga rápidamente ¡con algo tan simple como toser o estornudar! 🤧 Es una de las enfermedades más contagiosas en el mundo. Si una persona la tiene, hasta 9 de cada 10 personas que estén cerca se infectarán si no están protegidas.
    Para proteger a tu hijo de complicaciones graves derivadas del sarampión, como inflamación cerebral, neumonía e incluso la muerte, asegúrate de que esté al día con sus vacunas MMR. La vacuna se administra en dos dosis: la primera dosis de los 12 a los 15 meses, y la segunda dosis de los 4 a los 6 años.
    Elije la protección – ¡la vacuna MMR es 97% efectiva en la prevención del sarampión (una dosis es 93% efectiva)! ✅
    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Sources: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html

    The Risk of Measles vs. Vaccination Social Media Graphic

    Texto: El riesgo de sarampión supera considerablemente cualquier posible efecto secundario derivado de la vacuna MMR. ¿Arriesgarías alguna vez a tu hijo al subir a un vehículo sin un cinturón de seguridad? 🚗 ¿O a un bote sin un chaleco salvavidas? 🚤
    Aproximadamente 3 de cada 10 personas que se enferman de sarampión desarrollarán complicaciones, y 1 de cada 5 personas sin vacunar y que se infecte, será hospitalizada. No te arriesgues a que tu hijo experimente complicaciones graves como neumonía o inflamación cerebral.
    💪 La vacunación contra el sarampión es 97% efectiva en la prevención de esta enfermedad (una dosis es 93% efectiva) - ¡para mantener a tu hijo sano y salvo! 🌟
    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Fuentes: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/about/index.html, and https://www.chop.edu/sites/default/files/mmr-infographic.pdf

    What Measles Looks Like Social Media Graphic

    Texto: El sarampión es más que “solo un sarpullido”. Es altamente contagioso y puede llevar a enfermedad grave, derivando en hospitalización. 🤒 Los síntomas de sarampión generalmente inician con fiebre, tos, secreción nasal y ojos rojos (conjuntivitis). Dos o tres días después, pueden aparecer manchas blancas diminutas dentro de la boca. De tres a cinco días más tarde, el sarpullido empezará a propagarse. Si piensas que tu hijo pudo haber estado expuesto al sarampión, 📞llama inmediatamente a tu proveedor de atención médico o departamento de salud local para evitar contagiar a otros. No hay tratamiento ni cura para el sarampión, pero un proveedor de atención médica puede ayudar a aliviar los síntomas y atender cualquier complicación que se pueda desarrollar.
    Para más información, visita: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles u https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles-Rubeola
    Source: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=45

    KDHE x IKC Updated MMR Vaccine Recommendations

    Texto: Los casos de sarampión siguen en aumento en todo Estados Unidos, incluyendo a nuestras comunidades de Kansas. 🚨 En respuesta al brote, el Departamento de Salud y Medio Ambiente de Kansas emitió una guía actualizada sobre la vacuna #MMR para los condados afectados por el #brote actual de sarampión y los condados adyacentes a Kansas. Las #vacunas son nuestra mejor defensa contra la propagación del sarampión. 🌻💪
    Revisa el sistema HAN del KDHE para conocer detalles adicionales:https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=1493
    Para información sobre el sarampión y recursos para compartir en tu comunidad: https://immunizekansascoalition.org/measles