Health Department Shares Measles Facts

Published on April 08, 2025

LLCHD monitoring national outbreak closely, no cases reported locally

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department today reported it is monitoring the measles outbreak in several states across the U.S. No cases have been reported in Lancaster County or Nebraska at this time. Measles is disease that can spread very quickly and make some people severely ill.

“The number of measles cases keeps growing and we’re watching this situation closely. Cases of measles have been identified in neighboring states and it’s possible that we could see a case of measles here,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director. “We encourage residents to check their vaccination status to make sure they have protection against the disease. We’ve shared information on recognizing, managing and reporting measles infections with local health care providers.”    

Facts about measles include:

• The virus is spreading. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 607 confirmed measles cases in 21 states including Kansas and Colorado, as of April 3.

• Measles spreads easily. It’s 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, encephalitis and death. A person can spread measles to others before noticing any symptoms.

• Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the measles. Studies show that two doses of measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are about 97% effective against measles. 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.

A person has a high level of protection against measles if they’ve had two doses of the MMR vaccine or were born before 1957, which was prior to the vaccine when most people had measles as children and developed immunity.

• Those most at risk of getting measles are people who have had no doses of MMR vaccine or who have not had the measles. If you are not current on your MMR vaccine, talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.

• There is no treatment for measles but you can take actions to relieve symptoms. If you or your child has measles or believe you have been exposed, isolate yourself away from others and contact a healthcare provider immediately.  

• Measles is a disease we haven’t seen very often in Lancaster County. The last reported measles cases in Lancaster County were in 1990.

Learn more about measles at cdc.gov/measles.