Measles concerns in Nebraska
We’ve been hearing about the measles outbreak across the country. Is Nebraska at high risk?
“There’s measles going around the country, so it’s possible,” said Tim Timmons with the Lincoln Lancaster County Health Department. “How likely? I don’t know if I can answer that, but we certainly have to prepare for that possibility.”
More than 700 measles cases have been reported to the CDC so far this year.
They come from 22 states, including Nebraska’s neighbors in Colorado, Iowa and Missouri. So far there are no cases in Nebraska. Nebraska has one of the highest vaccination rates in the United States and officials say we need to keep it that way.
“If you’ve been vaccinated, you don’t need to worry,” said Timmons. “Even if we have cases locally or in the state, you’re protected.”
In many cases, measles is spread by travelers coming through the state. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent the measles. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella, or MMR shot is 97% effective against the illness.
