SHAWNEE COUNTY (KSNT) – Shawnee County officials report that some people may have recently been exposed to an active measles case.
Amanda Monhollon with Shawnee County shared in a press release that the Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) is reporting some people may have been exposed to measles between 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, at Topeka Baptist Church at 3301 SW Gage Blvd. People who were at the church during this event should monitor themselves for possible symptoms until at least May 24.
The SCHD said that people who were at this location at the above time are susceptible to measles infection. These individuals should avoid working in an adult care home, correctional facility, healthcare facility, childcare facility or adult day care until at least May 24. People who were exposed to measles at the church should avoid contact with infants, pregnant people and those who are unvaccinated.
What vetoes failed and which ones stuck in the 2026 session of the Kansas Legislature?
“We are working closely with KDHE and our local healthcare providers to monitor for a potential spread,” said Dr. Erin Locke, health officer for Shawnee County. “There are no known cases in Shawnee County at this time. Please ensure you and your loved ones have received your measles vaccines, as this is the safest and most effective way to protect our community.”
The Topeka Baptist Church posted a message to its Facebook page on May 12 regarding this situation.
“Dear Topeka Baptist Church Family,
We want to make you aware that we were informed a person who attended the second service at Topeka Baptist Church on Sunday, May 3rd has since been diagnosed with measles. Local health officials have been notified and are handling the situation according to established public health guidelines.
At this time, we want to encourage our church family not to panic, but simply to stay informed and use wisdom. Measles is highly contagious, but for most individuals who have been properly vaccinated or previously exposed, the risk is significantly reduced.
If you or a family member attended services during the affected timeframe and begin experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider.
We are continuing to work closely with local health officials and will communicate any important updates as needed. Our desire is to care well for our church family while also being responsible and transparent with our community.”
Topeka Baptist Church social media statement excerpt
The Osage County Health Department and Kansas Department of Health and Environment confirmed on May 12 an active case of measles in Osage County. Healthcare officials have yet to confirm if this active case is tied to the recent exposure event in Shawnee County.
What is measles?
Health officials report measles is highly infectious and people who have potentially been exposed to it should self-isolate from others except when they meet with a healthcare provider. Early symptoms of a positive measles case include the following:
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Red, watery eyes
Three in Kansas exposed to person infected with Andes hantavirus: KDHE
Measles patients usually develop a red rash on the face one to four days after early symptoms appear, with the rash spreading to the rest of the body in the following days, according to the county health department. Measles symptoms usually develop 10 to 14 days after exposure.
Numerous people were infected with measles in Kansas last year, mostly in the southwest part of the state as part of a larger onset of cases nationwide. You can learn more about measles on the KDHE’s website by clicking here. You can also visit the SCHD’s website for more information.
For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.
Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf
