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Possible measles case reported in KCMO

Posted at 4:21 PM, Mar 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-30 17:21:24-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A possible measles case has been reported in Kansas City, Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

This comes after 14 cases of measles have been reported in eastern Kansas, most of which occurred in Johnson County. 

The Missouri Department of Health said this most recent individual's illness began after international travel. The infected person went to a Kansas hospital after developing a rash on March 21. 

RELATED | Preventing the spread of measles: 'clean just about anything you can think of'

Officials identified two locations and times were exposures may have occurred.

  • March 19: Señor Tequila restaurant; 6502 N. Oak Trfy., Kansas City, MO 64118
  • March 22: CVS; 1914 Swift St. North Kansas City, MO 64116

For a full list of locations and times of possible exposures in Kansas, check in this story

Measles symptoms 

Symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Three to five days after symptoms begin a rash develops and usually starts on the face at the hairline and spreads down to the neck, arms, and legs, according to KDHE. 

Health officials say the best way to prevent measles is to get the MMR vaccine. If you have had measles or have been vaccinated, your risk of contracting the disease is extremely low. 

People who are ill or exhibiting measles-like symptoms should stay home unless they are seeking medical care. The news release says before visiting a healthcare provider, call ahead so the provider can take measures to protect other patients and staff. 

For questions call the Johnson County Department of Health and Environment at (913) 477-8343 or the KDHE Epidemiology hotline at (877) 427-7317.