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LINCOLN — As confirmed cases of measles continue to rise in the United States, Governor Jim Pillen and DHHS public health officials shared highlights of Nebraska’s Measles Response Plan and the importance of staying up to date on the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Measles infection is a serious disease that can lead to severe complications, including death. It is considered the most contagious virus known to infect humans. 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals exposed to measles will be infected. Those most at risk are young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, runny nose, cough, and pink eye, followed two to four days later by a rash. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted and cause severe illness at any age.
Measles spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes and can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours—meaning you can be infected even without direct contact with a sick individual. People can spread it before they even realize they are ill with more than just a common cold.
Across the United States, there are at least 750 confirmed measles cases in 24 states. Currently, 93% of these cases are related to ongoing domestic outbreaks and are concentrated in undervaccinated communities. Most cases are in Texas, New Mexico, and Kansas. At least 79 people have been hospitalized for measles, and tragically, there have been three deaths so far.
Pillen said, thankfully, there are currently no confirmed cases in Nebraska.
“We are not leaving anything to chance and are prepared to act quickly if a case is discovered,” Pillen said. “Our goal is to prevent cases from showing up in our state and to ensure the protection of our kids, families, and communities. When it comes to measles, vaccination is the most effective tool available.”
The state response plan includes coordinating with local health departments and other health care providers with testing, providing information on how to limit the spread of disease, and providing access to the MMR vaccine and post-exposure prophylaxis.
“The MMR vaccine has been used for decades and has an excellent safety record. Just one dose is 93% effective, and two doses are 97% effective. A community must maintain 95% immunity against measles to stop an outbreak, which is why it is critical for all Nebraskans and their families to receive the MMR vaccine,” said DHHS Chief Medical Officer Dr. Timothy Tesmer. “Measles is a preventable disease. Without vaccination, it can spread quickly and dangerously. If you are interested in receiving the MMR vaccine for either yourself or your children, please reach out to your health care provider or your local health department.”
If you think that you are having symptoms of measles, isolate yourself from others and call your health care provider, emergency room, or urgent care BEFORE arriving to be tested and let them know you are concerned about measles – especially if you have been exposed. Unless it is a medical emergency, do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice.
Individuals who believe they were exposed to measles are also urged to contact their health care provider or local health department immediately.
If you are unsure about you or your children’s vaccination status, please reach out to your healthcare provider. For Nebraskans whose primary care providers use the Nebraska State Immunization Information System (NESIIS), they can securely download their personal (or child’s) immunization information to their Android or iOS mobile device to confirm.
If you are interested in receiving the MMR vaccine for either yourself or your children, please reach out to your health care provider or your local health department. Local health departments can answer questions about the MMR vaccine and help interested Nebraskans find nearby locations to get the MMR vaccine.
For more information, visit https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Measles.aspx
