KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Health officials have warned that three preventable but potentially fatal diseases are surging across the nation as vaccination rates plummet.

The Mid America Regional Council announced on Friday, Dec. 19, that flu, whooping cough and measles cases are all rising locally. Meanwhile, fewer than half of Americans have received vaccines this season.

Local health departments warned that they are tracking increased cases of all three illnesses.

“Vaccination is our most effective defense against these diseases,” said Darrell Meinke, director of the Clay County Health Center. “With rising cases of flu, pertussis and measles, especially among unvaccinated individuals, now is the time for our community to act.”

Measles: First local case in years

According to MARC, the metro recorded its first recent measles case in November. A Kansas resident with a confirmed case visited the Kansas City International Airport twice that month.

The case follows a dramatic increase nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported nearly 2,000 measles cases in the U.S. 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 occurred in 2025, MARC revealed. Current outbreaks are active in South Carolina, Utah and Arizona.

Health officials also indicated that three individuals have died from measles this year – including two children.

MARC said measles spreads fast among unvaccinated individuals. The MMR vaccine provides 97% protection after 2 doses, but vaccination rates have declined in recent years.

Influenza: Cases rising, but not too late to vaccinate

The CDC has recommended flu shots for anyone 6 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. Only 42% of adults and 40% of children were vaccinated as of Dec. 6.

Metro cases are rising, but remain lower than in previous years. Health officials say this means that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

Whooping Cough: Deadly for infants

MARC said whooping cough cases are soaring locally and nationally. Several area health departments report much higher cases than in previous years.

The disease can be severe and deadly in infants under 1 year old.

National impact:

• In Oregon, MARC warned that 87 infants were infected in 2025, 22 of whom were hospitalized and 1 died.
• In Kentucky, 3 infants died from whooping cough in 12 months – all were unvaccinated.

How to protect infants: Health officials indicated that Tdap and DTaP vaccines prevent whooping cough. They also protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

DTaP vaccinations are recommended for infants starting at 2 months. Tdap is recommended for preteens, pregnant women during preganncy and caregivers of infants.

What health officials recommend

To protect against these diseases and COVID-10, local health departments recommend:

• Annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 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
• COVID-19 vaccine for those under 65 with underlying medical conditions – talk to your healthcare provider

Where to get vaccinated

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 you, your family and your community.”

Those with questions should contact their primary care provider or their local health department.

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