A Kansas City resident has been diagnosed with measles, the first since 2018, the Kansas City Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services confirm.

The adult with measles was not vaccinated, according to a press release.

The Kansas City Health Department did not immediately respond to questions about when the case was discovered and if those exposed had been notified.

The airborne, highly contagious virus is on the rise in the U.S. In the first two months of 2026, there were already 1,136 cases, on track to almost triple the 2025 total. Kansas had an outbreak last year, which infected 90.

In 2025, 93% of measles cases occurred in unvaccinated individuals, and 44% occurred in youth aged 5-19.

The measles virus stays in the air for two hours after someone with measles leaves the area, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nine out of 10 people exposed to measles become infected if not vaccinated or with natural immunity.

The virus can cause brain swelling, pneumonia or death, and babies and young kids are especially vulnerable.

Measles symptoms appear a week or two after exposure, and include:

• High fever (spikes to 104 degrees or higher)

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Red and/or water eyes

• Rash that begins three to five days after the start of symptoms

The Kansas City Health Department offers the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines for adults and children from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m at the offices at 2400 Troost Ave. The vaccines are free for everyone under 18. Walk into the clinic or make an appointment by calling 816-513-6108.

The MMR vaccine is also available at pharmacies, grocery stores and doctors’ offices. Find a location at cveep.org/vaccine-locator.

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