Senator Marshall Issues Statement on Measles Cases in Kansas
Garden City–Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. released the following statement in response to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) reporting six confirmed cases of measles, all located in Southwest Kansas.
Senator Marshall is closely tracking the measles outbreaks across the country as updates come in. As of March 14, 2025, there have been 301 confirmed cases in 15 states, and other presumed cases being tested.
“Given the increase in cases of measles in Kansas, everyone should talk to their own doctor about their health needs and the need for a booster shot or vaccination,” said Senator Marshall.
Senator Marshall’s office has been in contact with KDHE, and the department has confirmed they have sufficient supply of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine on hand. The office will stay in contact with KDHE about infection tracking and will continue to assist from the federal level as infections increase.
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection spread through respiratory droplets. A red skin rash is a recognizable symptom of measles, but symptoms can also include white spots within the mouth, fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, or inflamed eyes.
Measles is largely preventable through vaccination.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all children receive two doses of the MMR vaccine, which vaccinates against measles, mumps, and rubella. The first shot is typically administered between 12 and 15 months of age, and a second between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
Some adults may already be protected through infection as a child, before the vaccine became routinely administered in 1962. There are instances in which some adults, such as those who are pregnant or immunocompromised, who should not get a live attenuated vaccine.
Adults who are unsure if they were infected or vaccinated as a child should visit with their doctor or visit their local health department to determine whether a booster shot is recommended.
