Three measles cases confirmed in Johnson County child care facility

Nationwide, there have been just 13 measles cases this year as of late February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and none in Kansas.

The Johnson County, Kansas, Department of Health and Environment says on its website Tuesday that all three cases are in children under the age of 1, who are too young to be vaccinated. Cases in the USA are rare since creation of the vaccine, but the illness kills 146,000 people worldwide each year.

The number of cases in the country is typically below 200 and in some years dips below 100, although there were 667 cases in 2014 after a large outbreak in Amish communities in Ohio.

"Measles is still common in many parts of the world including some countries in Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and Africa", the agency stated.

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus. "Make sure children have the MMR vaccine when they are 12 to 15 months old, and again before they enter kindergarten", JCDHE Director Lougene Marsh said.

The children will be excluded from the facility for 21 days, reported Fox4.

The children with measles were treated for symptoms and are not in danger, the department said.

"If your child has a fever, keep them home except to see a healthcare provider", said a spokesperson for the department of health and environment.

Symptoms include a fever, coughing, red and watery eyes, and blotchy rashes on the skin.

Measles is spread through the air by coughing, sneezing, or breathing. "If you need to visit your healthcare provider, call ahead so appropriate measures can be taken to protect other patients and staff", said Marsh". Any child that has been exposed to measles should not attend any childcare facility or school.