Vaccine clinic after confirmed cases of measles in Platte County

COLUMBUS, Neb.— Platte County residents had the opportunity to receive vaccines after four confirmed cases of measles in the county.

“And this is really just a precautionary public health measure that we take,” Chief Public Health Officer at East Central Health Department Molly Pofahl said.

All four cases are contained to one household. Pofhal says there were only two exposure sites and no additional exposure has been reported.

The measles virus is one of the most contagious illnesses, staying in the air for up to two hours after exposure, according to officials.

“For symptoms, symptoms usually start with the regular upper respiratory symptoms,” Pofahl said. “So watery eyes, runny nose, cough, fever. And then shortly after that, the rash develops, usually starts on the face and spreads throughout the body. The vaccinations are proven safe and effective it's the best protection against contracting measles, not only that, but also, if you do contract measles, it lessens your symptoms, you're less likely to have to be hospitalized. less likely to pass away from the disease.”

Though the risk is low right now, if the disease spreads, Pofahl says statewide help will be available.

“Department of Health and Human Services would really probably lead that response,” Pofahl said. “Right now at the local level, since it is contained and it is not exponentially growing, we’re still able to handle it, but however, we would quickly run out of resources, so that's when state would step in.”

Officials say if you are experiencing symptoms or think you might have been exposed to the disease, call your local healthcare provider before you visit the clinic to find out what your next steps are.