Possible Measles Cases on the Rise

May 5 - On Friday, the Kansas Department of Heath and Environment announced they had four more possible cases of the measles in Harvey County. The four new possible cases are in addition to the four cases confirmed on Thursday. Health officials are now working to find a link between the cases.

It could be awhile before officials figure out how measles arrived in Harvey County. In a news conference Friday afternoon, the county announced that two investigators from the KDHE are now helping out. Surrounding counties are also pitching in with extra staff and supplies.

When a case pops up, investigators look for a number of clues. Dr. Howard Rodenberg with KDHE says they look at a patient's immunization status and whether they've been in contact with an infected person. Rodenberg says they also look to see if there are any underlying patters to help them predict where the disease might go next and who might be more susceptible.

Of the four confirmed cases, two are infant boys who were not yet vaccinated. The other two cases include a 13-year-old Santa Fe Middle School girl and a 19-year-old female school staff member. Schools are now on high alert. Harvey County Health Department Director Rita Flickinger says area school nurses have been working to monitor any children who report feeling sick.

Besides Harvey County, there are no other confirmed cases in Kansas. Still, bordering counties are putting measles measures into place. Sedgwick County is stepping up surveillance and making sure doctors and schools know just what to look for.

Heath officials say the best defense against measles is vaccination and are urging people to get immunized. The Harvey County Heath Department is holding a free immunization clinic Saturday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Mary's Church gymnasium in Newton. They're asking people to bring vaccination records if they have them but they are not required to get immunized.