Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
As health professionals nervously watch the Measles outbreak across the nation and in southwestern Kansas spread, they prepare for the inevitable situation of the disease making its way towards Butler County. The Butler County Health Department says they’re in proactive mode in order to stay ahead of it.
Measles is a serious and highly contagious viral infection for small children that is historically prevented by use of the MMR vaccine, (Measles, Mumps, Rubella). It presents itself as many common illnesses at onsite of infection such as a high fever, cough, runny nose, red/watery eyes, kolpik spots in mouth or white spots, and the most identifiable symptom, rash.
The rash appears four days after the child or person has become infected. The rash appears as flat red spots that begin to appear at the top of the head and hairline then spread to the rest of the body from the top down. Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the red spots.
If a person catches the measles, they’re susceptible to further health complications such as ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and complications during pregnancy. These are more prominently dangerous to children.
The case reported in Sedgwick County by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, (KDHE), was determined to be caused by international travel and not related to the outbreak in the southwestern portion of the state. Public exposure locations included the Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport and Wichita butcher shop Carnicerias El Guero No. 1.
Once an infected person goes into a public space, the area is infectious for up to two hours after they leave. The Measles disease is highly infectious through the air and can be passed on by simply being in the same room as someone with Measles. Of those that catch Measles, 1 in 1,000 will result in death.
As of Friday, May 16, there are 56 Measles cases in Kansas. Of those 56, 54 of them were correlated with the outbreak in southwestern Kansas. Of those cases, 45 of the patients were unvaccinated, one of them not age appropriately vaccinated, five were vaccinated and three were unable to verify their vaccination status.
Of the 54 cases related to the outbreak, 18 of them were 0-4 years old, 18 of them were 5-10 years old, three of them were 11-13 years old, four of them were 14-17 years old, one of them was 18-24 years old, five were 25-34 years old, three were 35-44 years old and two were 45-54 years old. The cases were reported in
The Butler County Health Department urges anyone with Measles or suspects they have contracted the disease to immediately call their family physician or healthcare provider before going into their office. Similar to COVID, certain protocols will be followed when a person infected with Measles comes in to see a doctor. They will likely wait in their car for testing or be shown into an isolated room to lessen exposure.
In addition, Butler County Health Department officials have began offering the vaccine within the county. They recommend those that aren’t vaccinated to get the vaccine and vaccinate their children. If someone comes into contact with an infected person and is unvaccinated, they can get the vaccine within 72 hours to help prevent infection.
“Our goal is to be proactive and start offering these vaccines now,” said Jamie Downs, Administrator of Butler County Health Department. “A vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and others against Measles.”
While children normally would receive the vaccine at 12 months of age, KDHE has approved for infants aged 6-9 months to receive a dose in order to further combat infection. Those infants will follow up with their regular MMR dosages beginning at 12 months.
Those pregnant cannot receive the vaccine. Those that have been vaccinated previously don’t need any boosters or extra dosages. One dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective in combatting Measles. Two doses of the vaccine is 97% effective in combatting Measles. The vaccine that is administered was developed in 1968 and continues to be used as the only vaccine for MMR.
Vaccines can be administered at the Butler County Health Department during a clinic or by appointment. Upcoming clinics include:
Saturday, May 17 from 9am-12pm
Butler County Health Department, 206 N. Griffith St., Suite B in El Dorado
Appointment required by calling 316-321-3400, option 0
Wednesday, May 21 from 1-4pm
EOC Building, 420 E. Augusta Ave in Augusta
No appointment necessary
To receive a vaccine, a photo ID and vaccination record is required to present. Those participating must live or work in Butler County. A vaccination record can be found online by going to www.myvaccinerecord.ks.gov. The MMR vaccine is being made available to those receiving it for free by the Butler County Health Department.
In addition to offering vaccines, the Butler County Health Department notified all licensed daycares and school nurses operating within the county of the neighboring county case and is continuously working to notify all healthcare providers. As of Friday, May 16, there are no active cases reported in Butler County.
