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Measles Exposure at Wichita Medical Center Raises Concerns

Wichita, KS – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is urging caution after confirming a potential measles exposure at Wesley Medical Center. Health officials are actively investigating the situation and advising individuals who may have been present during the specified timeframe to monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary.

What Happened? The exposure occurred within the fifth-floor pediatric unit of Building 4 at Wesley Medical Center. The window of potential exposure stretches from 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1st, to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday, July 3rd. This timeframe is crucial for anyone who visited or worked in that area during those hours to be aware of the potential risk.

Understanding the Risk: Measles Symptoms Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Early symptoms typically include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually appears 2-4 days after these initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading down the body. It’s vital to remember that individuals can be contagious even before the rash appears.

Who is at Risk? Anyone who was in the affected area of Wesley Medical Center during the specified timeframe is potentially at risk. This includes patients, visitors, and healthcare workers. Individuals who are not vaccinated against measles are particularly vulnerable. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult with their healthcare provider.

What to Do If You Were Exposed:

• Monitor for symptoms: Be vigilant for any signs of measles, such as fever, cough, or rash.
• Contact your doctor: If you develop any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Important: Call ahead to inform them of your potential measles exposure so they can take appropriate precautions to prevent further spread.
• Isolate yourself: If you suspect you have measles, isolate yourself from others to prevent potential transmission.

KDHE's Response and Vaccination Importance The KDHE is working closely with Wesley Medical Center to identify and contact individuals who may have been exposed. This incident underscores the importance of vaccination against measles. The measles vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing the disease.

“Measles is preventable through vaccination,” stated a spokesperson for the KDHE. “We strongly encourage all Kansans to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations, especially children and adults who are at higher risk.”

Resources:

• Kansas Department of Health and Environment: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Measles: https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.