Health Department Announces Reported Measles Case in Nebraska
Published on May 27, 2025
LLCHD urges residents to check vaccination status
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today urged Lincoln and Lancaster County residents to review their measles vaccination status after a confirmed case of the highly contagious disease was reported in Sheridan County, Nebraska. No cases have been reported in Lancaster County at this time.
For more information on the measles case in Nebraska, visit the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Panhandle Public Health District.
“We’re very concerned about this latest development. Measles can spread quickly and make some people severely ill. We urge residents to check their vaccination status to make sure they have protection against the disease,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director.
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.
Measles Vaccination
Vaccination is the best way to avoid getting the measles. Studies show that two doses of MMR vaccine are about 97% effective against measles and that protection is long lasting. One dose of MMR vaccine is about 93% effective.
Most people receive MMR vaccine as a child. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends children receive two doses of the vaccine. The first dose is recommended at age 12 to 15 months and the second dose at age 4 to 6 years.
A person also has a high level of protection against measles if they were born before 1957, which was prior to the vaccine when most people had measles as children and developed immunity.
Residents can review vaccination records in the Nebraska State Immunization Information System or contact their health care provider if they have questions. If residents can’t locate vaccination records or only have one dose of the MMR vaccine, talk to a provider or pharmacist about next steps. Remember it’s safe and effective to get vaccinated, even if you were vaccinated in the past.
How Measles Spreads and Symptoms
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.
If you think you have been in contact with someone who has measles, please call the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Communicable Disease program at 402-441-8053.
For more information about measles, visit: