Key Highlights
- Health officials warn of surging cases of preventable diseases such as flu, whooping cough, and measles.
- Vaccination rates are dropping across the nation, leading to increased risks for all age groups.
- The first local case of measles in years has been reported after a dramatic increase nationwide.
- Health officials recommend annual flu vaccinations and DTaP or Tdap vaccinations for protection against whooping cough.
Surging Cases of Preventable Diseases Spark Public Health Concerns
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – As vaccination rates plummet across the nation, public health officials are sounding the alarm over a surge in preventable diseases such as flu, whooping cough, and measles. This alarming trend has local health departments scrambling to address rising cases that could pose significant risks to communities.
Vaccine Rates Are Declining
According to the Mid America Regional Council (MARC), fewer than half of Americans have received their vaccinations this season. As of December 6, only 42% of adults and 40% of children were vaccinated against flu. Darrell Meinke, director of the Clay County Health Center, emphasized the critical role vaccination plays in protecting communities from these deadly diseases.
“Vaccination is our most effective defense against these diseases,” said Meinke. “With rising cases of flu, pertussis and measles, especially among unvaccinated individuals, now is the time for our community to act.”
Measles: A Growing Threat in Kansas City
The first local case of measles in years was reported by MARC. In November, a Kansas resident with a confirmed case visited the Kansas City International Airport twice that month. This follows a dramatic increase nationwide, where the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported nearly 2,000 cases in 2025 – the highest in decades.
By comparison, CDC data revealed there were only 285 cases in 2024 and 59 in 2023.
More than 40 measles outbreaks have been active across the country, with current ones active in South Carolina, Utah, and Arizona.
MARC noted that three individuals have died from measles this year – including two children. The MMR vaccine provides 97% protection after 2 doses, but vaccination rates have declined in recent years.
Influenza: It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate
The CDC has recommended flu shots for anyone six months and older. The vaccine reduces the risk of flu and decreases illness severity. However, health leaders noted that fewer than half of Americans received their flu shot this season.
Health officials indicated that Metro cases are rising but remain lower than in previous years. This means it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu shots for everyone six months and older can provide significant protection against the virus, reducing both the risk of contracting the flu and its severity.
Whooping Cough: A Deadly Threat to Infants
MARC reported that whooping cough cases are soaring locally and nationally. Several area health departments have noted much higher cases than in previous years. The disease can be severe and deadly, especially in infants under one year old.
In Oregon, MARC warned that 87 infants were infected in 2025, with 22 of them hospitalized and 1 death.
In Kentucky, 3 infants died from whooping cough in 12 months – all unvaccinated. Health officials indicated that Tdap and DTaP vaccines prevent whooping cough and also protect against tetanus and diphtheria.
DTaP vaccinations are recommended for infants starting at two months. Tdap is recommended for preteens, pregnant women during pregnancy, and caregivers of infants. These measures can provide essential protection against this dangerous disease.
To Protect Your Community
Local health departments recommend the following to protect against these diseases:
- Annual flu vaccines for everyone six months and older
- MMR vaccinations for children and adults who are not fully vaccinated
- DTaP or Tdap vaccinations for children, pregnant individuals during each pregnancy, and caregivers of infants
MARC noted that vaccines are available at most healthcare providers, pharmacies, and local health departments. We have the tools to help prevent these diseases, said Meinke. We urge you to have conversations with your trusted health care providers about the flu, pertussis and measles vaccines. You can take simple but powerful steps to protect the health of yourself, your family, and your community.
Those with questions should contact their primary care provider or local health department for more information. With vaccination rates declining, it is crucial that individuals take action now to safeguard public health against these preventable diseases.