Measles Outbreak Expands

While a measles outbreak has not reached Nebraska, the rapidly increasing number of cases has local health care providers concerned. As of February 20, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 93 measles cases were reported in eight states. Last week, the CDC reported a total of 222 measles cases in twelve U.S. jurisdictions this year: Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, and Washington. The majority of those are in Texas and New Mexico.This week, a measles case was confirmed at Dulles Airport and health officials are investigating possible exposure sites in Virginia and Maryland. Health Officials in Maryland have stated the case is not related to the Texas/New Mexico outbreaks. Two people have died, a child in Texas and an adult in New Mexico. Neither were vaccinated. These are the first deaths from the disease in the United States in a decade.While the measles outbreak has not hit Nebraska, Jefferson Community Health & Life (JCH&L) is asking people to be vigilant. Monday morning, March 10, JCH&L posted on Facebook, “Due to the recent measles outbreak in Texas, we are taking precautionary measures to protect everyone.”JCH&L is request of all visitors, “If you have recently traveled—especially to Texas—or are experiencing measles symptoms (such as fever, cough, or rash), please call ahead before entering our facility.”Despite a reputations as a “childhood disease,” measles can strike at any age and is potentially deadly. The CDC warns, “Some people think of measles as just a little rash and fever that clear up in a few days. But measles can cause serious health complications, especially in children younger than five (5) years old.” Symptoms and ComplicationsMeasles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Common measles symptoms include: High fever (may spike to more than 104° F) Cough Runny nose (coryza) Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis) Rash“Common complications are ear infections and diarrhea. Serious complications include pneumonia and encephalitis.”Vaccinations Measles is highly contagious. If one person has it, up to nine out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not protected. According to the CDC, “The best protection against measles is measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine provides long-lasting protection against all strains of measles.” For those not sure if they have been vaccinated, JCH&L offers lab testing called “titers,” which measures antibodies in the blood to determine if someone has immunity to a disease.Nebraska law mandates that students be vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and varicella (chickenpox). Children entering kindergarten through twelfth grade and college/university must have two appropriately given doses of the MMR vaccine. Children in childcare must also have age-appropriate doses of measles vaccine.However, Nebraska allows religious and medical exemptions to the school vaccination law.The CDC notes, “Measles was declared eliminated from the United States in 2000. However, measles is still common in many parts of the world. Every year, measles is brought into the United States by unvaccinated travelers who get measles while they are in other countries.”

Details On USDA Layoffs Scarce

Jefferson County Looks To Improve Access To Childcare With C4K Initiative

Related Articles

Praise and Pancakes

Shamrock Shuffle

Odell Resident Recognizes Bitcoin Message As ‘Smishing’ Scam

Steele City Holds Meeting on Water Main Project