Measles

Recent News

When measles is close to home, we let you know.

We send essential updates across our media platforms when measles cases affect Jackson County. For questions about exposure, symptoms, or vaccination status, please call the JCPH measles hotline at (816) 404-9889.

Jackson County Public Health confirms measles case, identifies exposure at JCPH

On September 14, 2026, we confirmed one case of measles in a local resident who visited our building on Tuesday, September 8 (8am – 12pm) and Thursday, September 10 (12pm – 4pm).

Anyone who visited our facility during these times should complete this survey and watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure. Unvaccinated visitors should quarantine immediately and contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Press Release Exposure Survey measles hotline
School-aged children raise their hands in a classroom setting. In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the US — so why are some states, including nearby Kansas, having measles outbreaks now? The answer isn’t a mystery: fewer kids are getting vaccinated against measles.

Symptoms & Spread

  • Early symptoms of measles: moderate fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, sore throat
  • Later symptoms of measles: high fever, blue-white spots inside the mouth (Koplik spots), red-brown rash
  • Symptoms are highly contagious, spreading through the air (when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks) or contaminated surfaces
  • People are contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days after it appears

Prevention & Exposure

  • The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles, mumps, and rubella
  • Two doses of the MMR vaccine prevent more than 97% of measles infections
  • The MMR vaccine may prevent or lessen illness in previously unvaccinated people, if given within 72 hours of exposure
  • If symptoms develop, call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or emergency room, so staff can prepare to prevent further spread

In 2000, measles was declared eliminated in the US — so how are outbreaks coming back?

The answer is clear: fewer kids are getting vaccinated against measles. Measles is serious, capable of leading to pneumonia or brain swelling. It’s also extremely contagious, which means one case can quickly affect an entire community. The good news? We have a safe, effective solution: the MMR vaccine.

95%

When at least 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, that community has herd immunity, meaning that diseases like measles can’t spread very far because so many people are immune.

89.6%

Jackson County’s kindergarten vaccination rate of 89.6% is too low to protect kids from outbreaks of measles (Missouri Department of Health & Human Services, 2025).

FIND THE FACTS

Being fully vaccinated is the best way to protect your family from measles.

Your kids come first in your life. Find information on vaccines that puts the facts first. We recommend these sources for further reading. As soon as you’re ready, we’re ready for your vaccination appointment at JCPH.

Make your appointment