By NATE KING
Salina Post
As measles outbreaks in southwest Kansas continue to grow, Saline County health officials say it's not a matter of panic—but preparation. With one of the most contagious viruses resurfacing regionally, the Saline County Health Department is reviewing response plans and bracing for the possibility that the next case could land closer to home.
“We hope we never have to use it, but we’ve developed a plan,” said Jason Tiller, Director of the Saline County Health Department. “If a case is reported, we already know who we’re calling and what steps need to be taken.”
How contagious is measles?
Measles isn’t just another childhood illness—it’s one of the most infectious diseases in the world. Public health experts measure contagiousness using the basic reproduction number, or R₀ (pronounced “R-naught”), which estimates how many people one infected person can spread the disease to in a population without immunity.
For measles, R₀ ranges from 12 to 18, meaning one infected person could transmit the virus to up to 18 others if no one is vaccinated. In contrast, the original strain of COVID-19 had an R₀ of around 2, seasonal flu about 1.3, and Ebola around 2.
“It spreads through the air and can linger in a room for up to two hours after an infected person leaves,” Tiller said.
Fast action required for fast-spreading disease
Measles cases must be reported to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) within four hours of suspicion or confirmation. Once notified, the health department begins contact tracing to determine potential exposure sites and notifies the public if community transmission is a concern.
“Measles spreads fast, and we treat it seriously,” Tiller said.
He emphasized that the MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, rubella) remains one of the most effective tools available.
“If you’ve been vaccinated, it greatly reduces your chances of getting measles—and if you do, symptoms are usually much milder.”
The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses: the first at 12 to 15 months and the second between 4 and 6 years of age. Adults who are unsure of their vaccination status should check with their healthcare provider or call the health department.
Who needs to be vaccinated?
- Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune, having likely been exposed during childhood.
- Those vaccinated between 1963–1967 may have received an inactivated version of the vaccine, which was ineffective. These individuals should be revaccinated.
- Anyone without documentation of a live vaccine after 1968 may also need another dose.
Guidelines from KDHE can be found at kdhe.ks.gov/1501/Measles.
Quarantine guidelines and public safety
Measles has a 21-day quarantine period, though vaccinated individuals may not need to isolate.
“It depends on vaccination status and other risk factors,” Tiller said. “Our goal is always to minimize spread, especially in high-contact environments.”
Though often thought of as a childhood disease, measles can also pose serious risks to immunocompromised adults, particularly in close-contact workplaces or care settings.
“Even one case in an unvaccinated population can lead to a serious outbreak,” Tiller said.
Unlike COVID-19, measles does not typically present asymptomatically.
“If you have it, you’re going to feel it,” he added.
Local authority now limited during outbreaks
Tiller acknowledged that recent changes to Kansas law have reduced the powers of local health officers during outbreaks. While he still has the authority to issue individual quarantine or isolation orders, he can no longer recommend community-wide restrictions on mass gatherings to the Saline County Commission.
“In theory, I could advise against holding a gathering if there were an outbreak,” he said, “But the decision would ultimately rest with the group or governing body involved.”
What can residents do?
“The most important thing people can do is get vaccinated and know their status,” said Tiller.
Saline County residents unsure of their vaccine history are encouraged to contact their primary care provider or call the health department at (785) 826-6600.
Tiller also urged schools, childcare providers, and healthcare facilities to ensure their populations are current with MMR vaccinations. Individuals planning to travel internationally should get at least one dose of MMR at least two weeks before departure.
For infants aged 6–11 months, an early dose is recommended before international travel, followed by the standard two-dose series.
While community vaccination clinics are under consideration, offering free vaccines will likely depend on whether an outbreak is officially declared. In the meantime, standard insurance or out-of-pocket costs apply.