Shawnee County Health Department (SCHD) reports a measles exposure occurred at Topeka Baptist Church 3301 SW Gage Blvd. Topeka, KS 66614 on Sunday, May 3, 2026 between 10:15 am and 1:45 pm. If you were at this location during this time, please watch for any symptoms until at least May 24, 2026.

If you were at this location and are susceptible to measles, please 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. Contact with high-risk individuals, such as infants, pregnant people, and those who are unvaccinated, should also be avoided.

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. Early symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward.

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.

"We are working closely with KDHE and our local healthcare providers to monitor for a potential spread,” said Dr. Erin Locke, Health Officer for Shawnee County. “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.”

Updates will be provided as more information becomes available. For more information about measles and the MMR vaccine, please visit www.kdhe.ks.gov/measles or www.shawneehealth.org/hd/measles.php