Nebraska health officials have confirmed the state’s first measles case of the year, identified in Sheridan County in the Panhandle region. According to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the patient is a child who was properly vaccinated and has no recent travel history. Due to privacy regulations, further details about the child have not been released.
The Department of Health has identified two potential public exposure sites: the Family Dollar Store in Rushville on May 18 between 9 a.m. and noon, and the Gordon Memorial Hospital Clinic in Gordon on May 21 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Anyone who was at either location during the listed times is encouraged to complete a risk assessment survey available at https://redcap.link/Measles_Sheridan0525. For those needing assistance or without internet access, contact the Panhandle Public Health District at 308-633-2866. Individuals are also advised to check their measles vaccination status and consult their healthcare provider if they or a family member are not fully immunized.
This Nebraska case coincides with a national increase in measles cases. As of May 22, the CDC has reported 1,046 confirmed measles cases across 31 U.S. jurisdictions—excluding this Nebraska case and Iowa’s first case, which was reported days earlier in an unvaccinated adult.
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness with symptoms that include fever, cough, runny nose, and rash. While typically associated with childhood, it can affect individuals of any age. Those at highest risk for serious complications include young children, unvaccinated individuals, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.
To prevent infection, health experts stress the importance of immunization. Children should receive their first MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine between 12 and 15 months of age and a second dose between ages four and six. Due to the local exposure, Sheridan County health officials now recommend an early MMR dose for infants aged 6 to 11 months and urge residents with only one dose to get their second as soon as possible.
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