TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Osage County, Kansas Health Department has identified and confirmed a case of measles in an Osage County resident.
Officials say the Osage County resident was exposed to measles outside of Kansas and that measles is not spreading in the state at this time.
The Shawnee County Health Department also reported Tuesday that a measles exposure occurred at Topeka Baptist Church at 3301 SW Gage Blvd. on Sunday, May 3, between 10:15 a.m. and 1:45 p.m.
Officials have not yet confirmed if the active case is tied to the recent exposure at the church.
The department asks that if you were at this location during this time, watch for any symptoms until at least May 24, 2026.
“We are working closely with KDHE and our local healthcare providers to monitor for a potential spread. There are no known cases in Shawnee County at this time. Please ensure you and your loved ones have received your measles vaccines, as this is the safest and most effective way to protect our community.”
The Topeka Baptist Church released the following statement on its Facebook page regarding the exposure:
Dear Topeka Baptist Church Family,
We want to make you aware that we were informed a person who attended the second service at Topeka Baptist Church on Sunday, May 3rd has since been diagnosed with measles. Local health officials have been notified and are handling the situation according to established public health guidelines.
At this time, we want to encourage our church family not to panic, but simply to stay informed and use wisdom. Measles is highly contagious, but for most individuals who have been properly vaccinated or previously exposed, the risk is significantly reduced.
If you or a family member attended services during the affected timeframe and begin experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider.
We are continuing to work closely with local health officials and will communicate any important updates as needed. Our desire is to care well for our church family while also being responsible and transparent with our community.
If you have any questions, please contact the Shawnee County Health Department at (785) 251-5700.
Please pray for the individual involved (whose identity has not been shared with us), for those who may be concerned, and for the health and safety of our church and community.
Thank you for your understanding, your prayers, and your continued faithfulness.
In Christ,
Pastor Mark Doss
Topeka Baptist Church
Early symptoms of measles may include: a fever of more than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a runny nose, a cough, and red, watery eyes. Typically, after one to four days, these early symptoms, a red rash appears on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.
Measles symptoms typically develop 10-14 days after exposure, but symptoms can develop as soon as seven days and as long as 21 days after exposure.
Both the Osage County and Shawnee County Health Departments, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, are working to notify individuals who may have been exposed to this case of measles.
If you were at Topeka Baptist Church at the time of the exposure and are susceptible to measles, the Shawnee County Health Department says to avoid working in an adult care home, correctional facility, or health care facility and attending or working in a school, childcare facility, or adult day care until at least May 24, 2026.
People are considered susceptible to measles if they were born in 1957 or later and:
- are not age-appropriately vaccinated, or
- lack laboratory evidence of immunity, or
- lack documentation of a previous measles infection
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease that spreads easily and does not require close contact.
Precautions for the General Public:
- Ensure you and your family members are protected against measles. Safe and effective vaccines are available at the SCHD.
- Monitor for symptoms of measles and notify your healthcare provider or the SCHD immediately if symptoms develop.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home if you are ill.
- If you believe you may have been exposed to measles or you are experiencing symptoms consistent with measles, please get in touch with your healthcare provider before entering a medical facility.
Find more information about measles and the MMR vaccine, please visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles or www.shawneehealth.org/hd/measles.php.
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