Fai Beal
Contributor

Hello neighbors. I am a Community Wellness Ambassador and I have been faithfully attending classes at the Kansas City Health Department, serving Kansas City, Missouri. I want to discuss the dangers of the measles and how to protect yourself and loved ones from it.

First, flu season is back. Reports from health professionals state that the flu this year is especially rough, with longer recovery times and symptoms more severe than usual. In December of 2025, Dr. Amanda Kravitz, a pediatrician at Weill Cornell Medicine states:

“This flu season is no joke. We are seeing more cases than we would expect for this time of year… symptoms that are very intense, they come on really, really rapidly.”

Why does this matter when we are talking about measles?

When your immune system is fighting one infection, it can be easier for another to invade. Furthermore, measles causes what scientists call “immune amnesia,” where the virus “wipes” the immune system’s memory of how to fight other germs. As UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell notes:

“Measles is more than a dangerous and potentially deadly disease. It is also an early indication that there are gaps in our global immunization coverage—gaps vulnerable children cannot afford.”

It’s Not “Just a Rash”

There is a lot of misinformation out there, so let’s walk through what measles actually is. Having the measles is not just having a rash. While a red, brown, or purple rash typically appears first on the face and behind the ears, it is often the least of a patient’s problems.

Symptoms include a high fever, dry cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis). One of the most distinct signs are Koplik spots—tiny white dots that appear inside the mouth two or three days after infection.

The long-term effects can be devastating, including death. Brain swelling (encephalitis) and high fevers can lead to permanent brain damage, deafness, or life-long intellectual and physical disabilities. Dr. Sarah Scherger, a pediatrician at Mayo Clinic, warns:

“Unfortunately, approximately 1 in 1,000 people can get encephalitis (brain swelling)… 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die.”

Measles are an Extreme Risk and Incredibly Contagious

While often considered a childhood disease, adults are also at risk. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, up to 90% of the people close to them who are not immune will also become infected. This is most dangerous for our youngest neighbors. Children typically do not receive their first dose of the MMR vaccine until 12 to 15 months of age, and a second dose between 4 and 6 years old. Until they receive that second dose, they are at a higher risk. By getting vaccinated, you aren’t just protecting yourself; you are protecting the infants in our community who are too young to be immunized.
In South Carolina, for their state alone, the Department of Health reports cases in December 2025 jumped from 3 to 189. Another 280 people were ordered to be in active quarantine. More than 90% of those cases were unvaccinated individuals. Unfortunately, multiple cases, both adults and children have required hospitalization for serious complications. Other states are seeing the same massive increases in cases.

How to Protect Your Family

The best thing anyone can do is to get vaccinated. The vaccines are safe and 97% effective after two doses.

For those who live in the Kansas City area, the Kansas City Health Department is ready to help:

• Cost: Free vaccinations for children without insurance. For those with insurance, the first child is $15, and every other child in the same family is only $5.
• Accessibility: Translation services are available for dozens of languages. You can request a translator for a booked appointment.
• Flexibility: Walk-ins are available (based on staff availability), or you can book ahead.
  Contact Information:
• Phone: 816-513-6108 (Ask about vaccines, family health, mental health, food assistance, disability assistance, and more).
• Online: https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/health
• Be safe and healthy, friends and neighbors.