Measles
What is the current measles situation?
In 2025, the U.S. recorded 2,276 measles cases - the most there have been in a single year since 1991. The first month of 2026 already saw the trend continuing, with hundreds of cases reported. Click here to see current and historical measles data.
One case of measles was reported in a Kansas City man on March 3, 2026.
What is measles?
Someone infected with the measles usually has symptoms like a rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. It can cause serious health complications, like pneumonia and encephalitis (brain infection), especially in young children.
Measles is an airborne and extremely infectious illness that can spread easily when someone coughs or sneezes. The germs can even hang around for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
How common is the measles?
In 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the United States. However, it still exists in other areas of the world and can brought back to the U.S. by travelers.
Small numbers of measles cases are reported each year. In Clay County, three cases were reported in 2018 and two cases in 2024.
Before 2025, there had not been a death from measles in the U.S. since 2015.
How can I protect myself from measles?
The best form of protection is with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective at preventing measles; one dose is about 93% effective.
According to CDC, "When more than 95% of people in a community are vaccinated, most people are protected through community immunity (herd immunity)." However, as of 2023, Clay County's kindergarten vaccination rate was 91.45% [source].
Clay County Public Health Center provides the MMR vaccine. Call 816-595-4355 to make an appointment.
Can my child get protection early?
Typically, children get the first dose of MMR vaccine around 12-15 months of age and the second dose around 4-6 years of age. However, when measles is spreading in the community or you plan to travel to an area experiencing an outbreak, your child may be eligible to receive their first or second dose early. Talk to your child's doctor to help make the right choice for your child.
What about Vitamin A?
Vitamin A does not prevent measles. Someone who has been hospitalized with measles may be given vitamin A under the supervision of a doctor to reduce the seriousness of their illness. However, high doses of vitamin A can be dangerous. Do not take supplements without the guidance of a healthcare provider, as most people in the United States are not vitamin A deficient. Read more.