JOHNSON COUNTY, Kan. -- A measles outbreak in eastern Kansas continues to grow with 15 cases now reported in three counties.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment announced Wednesday there are 12 cases in Johnson County, 2 in Linn County and 1 in Miami County.
Another case was reported at the University of Kansas Hospital, but officials said it is unrelated to the outbreak. Rather, the infected individual was exposed while traveling outside the U.S.
The department also released an updated list of exposure locations and dates:
- Olathe Health Family Medicine: 302 N. 1st St., Mound City, KS. March 26-28 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Olathe Health Family Medicine: 1017 E. Market St., La Cygne, KS. March 27 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Casey's General Store: 207 S. 9th St., Mound City, KS. March 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and March 28 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Casey's General Store: 406 E. Market St., La Cygne, KS. March 27 from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Chick fil-A: 12087 S. Blackbob Rd., Olathe, KS. March 24 from 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Olathe YMCA, entire facility including childcare area: 21400 W. 153rd St., Olathe, KS. March 22 and 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Walgreens: 7500 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO. March 22 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Chuck E. Cheese's: 15225 W. 134th Pl., Olathe, KS. March 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The KDHE also reported that people who visited these locations are now outside the time frame for contracting measles:
- Auburn Pharmacy in Mound City
- Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas- Emergency Department
- Bath & Body Works at Legends Outlets Kansas City
- Crazy 8 at Legends Outlets Kansas City
- Orange Leaf in Overland Park
- Budget Coin Laundry in Gardner
- AMC DINE-IN Studio 28 in Olathe
- El Potro Mexican Cafe in Paola
- Payless Discount Shoes in Olathe
- ALDI in Olathe
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.
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.
