Earlier this month, a measles cluster began in Johnson County in Kansas, and now, things have gotten worse. The measles situation in the state has grown to 10 cases, the Department of Health and Environment confirms.

Eight cases come from Johnson County, and one each in Linn County and Miami County. Health departments in all counties were able to identify where and when each case began.

The KDHE advises individuals feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of measles to stay at home, as it's a highly contagious disease. It is also recommended for those visiting a medical facility to inform the staff beforehand so they can take steps to protect their other patients and employees.

KDHE is still investigating the outbreak and all the health departments in affected counties are working to identify contacts, reports Outbreak News Today.

People affected with measles don't show symptoms until 10 to 14 days after exposure to the disease. There's significant concern that other people in affected counties may have already been exposed but aren't experiencing the symptoms just yet.

How Contagious Is Measles?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It is transmitted to healthy individuals by virtue of coughing or sneezing. The virus is able to remain in an airspace for two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. If others breathe this contaminated air or touch affected surfaces, they can become infected.

The CDC further notes that 90 percent of the people close to a person with measles will also become infected.

Measles Symptoms

According to the NHS, symptoms of measles include:

• a runny or blocked nose

• sneezing

• watery eyes

• swollen eyelids

• sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light

• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)

• small greyish-white spots in the mouth (see below)

• aches and pains

• a cough

• loss of appetite

• tiredness, irritability and a general lack of energy

A good indicator of measles is a rash, which occurs three to five days after the initial symptoms then dissipates after around a week. It is made up of reddish-brown and spots that may form in clusters. They usually affect the neck or head first before spreading to other parts of the body.

One of the best ways to protect oneself against measles is to get a MMR vaccination. Those who've been infected with the virus in the past have low risks of contracting it again.