The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has recorded its second case of measles this year.
On Tuesday, DHHS confirmed an unvaccinated child with a history of travel to Arizona had been diagnosed with measles in Platte County. The first case was reported in Sheridan County in May.
The department is warning individuals who may have been present at the following locations on the indicated dates and times may have been exposed to measles
- Shell Creek Baptist Church, Columbus, NE, on December 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Columbus Community Hospital Emergency Department, Columbus, NE, on December 29 from 2 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Those who may have been exposed are asked to complete a risk assessment survey.
“Measles can spread very quickly and make some people severely ill,” said Kerry Kernen, Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) Health Director. “Vaccination is the best way to avoid getting measles and we’re urging residents to check their vaccination status to make sure they have protection against the disease.”
No cases have been reported in Lancaster County at this time. Out of an abundance of caution, LLCHD is urging residents to review their measles vaccination status.
Those most at risk of getting measles are people who have had no doses of measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR) or who have not had the measles. Any adult or child who is unvaccinated and exposed to a positive measles case will need to stay home for 21 days.
Most people receive MMR vaccine as a child. The CDC recommends children receive two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is recommended at ages 12 to 15 months and the second dose at ages 4 to 6 years.
Nebraskans can review vaccination records in the Nebraska State Immunization Information System or contact their health care provider if they have questions.
Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. It starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat and is followed by a rash that usually appears on the face and then spreads downward over the body. It can also cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
If you think you have measles, isolate yourself from others and call your health care provider, urgent care, or nearest emergency room before arriving to be tested. Do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice.
Residents who believe they’ve come in contact with someone who has measles are asked to call the LLCHD Communicable Disease program at 402-441-8053.