TOPEKA (KSNT) – State health officials are reporting a third case of measles in northeast Kansas this year.
Staff with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) are reporting a third case of measles for 2026 in the Sunflower State as of Sept. 23. This comes shortly after KDHE officials issued a warning about the highly contagious viral illness on Sept. 16.
All three 2026 cases of measles have been recorded in northeast Kansas, according to the KDHE. This includes Riley, Shawnee, Lyon, Pottawatomie, Wabaunsee, Jackson, Jefferson, Nemaha, Marshall, Geary, Morris, Osage and other nearby counties.
(Photo Courtesy/KDHE)
We have reached out to the KDHE for more information about where the latest confirmed case of measles has been located. We have yet to receive a response from the agency.
KDHE and local health officials previously confirmed a case of measles in Osage County in May this year.
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Measles can spread quickly, with symptoms usually appearing seven to 14 days after initial exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles can cause serious health issues for children younger than five years old, with common issues including ear infections and diarrhea while more serious health conditions like pneumonia and encephalitis are also possible.
CDC staff reports measles can spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Common symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, rash and red, watery eyes.
The KDHE posted warnings last year for measles due to a growing number of cases nationwide and an outbreak in southwest Kansas. The 2025 outbreak ended with nearly 90 confirmed cases of measles that included eight hospitalizations.
For more information about measles and how to get vaccinated, click here.
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