By: Panhandle Public Health District

GORDON, Neb. - A confirmed measles case in an age-appropriately vaccinated child residing in Sheridan County has been reported to the Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) and Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The child has had no recent out-of-state travel history identified and this could indicate potential spread within the community, highlighting the importance of being up to date on measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccination and being aware of measles symptoms.

People present at the following locations during the indicated times may have been exposed to measles:

  • Family Dollar in Rushville, NE on May 17 from 9 a.m.-Noon
  • Gordon Clinic in Gordon, NE on May 21 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Little Lambs Preschool Track Meet in Gordon, NE on May 20 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Anyone with known measles exposure and no confirmed immunity needs to stay at home and away from others for 21 days from the last date of exposure.

“We are grateful the child’s symptoms have been mild and they are recovering,” said Jessica Davies, MPH Health Director of PPHD. “Those with known exposure have already been notified, for others concerned they have been exposed, please visit www.pphd.ne.gov to complete a risk assessment survey. If you do not have access to the internet or need help filling out the survey, call 308-633-2866.”

Please contact your health care provider to check you and your family's vaccination status against the measles. If you have not had two doses of the MMR vaccine, talk to your health care provider right away. At this time DHHS is modifying MMR vaccine recommendations for Sheridan County residents:

  • Residents aged 6-11 months should receive an early dose of MMR vaccine. This should be followed by two additional doses of MMR beginning at 12 months of age.
  • Residents aged 12 months or older with only one dose of MMR vaccine should receive their second dose as soon as possible, at least 28 days following the first dose.
  • Residents born prior to 1957 are presumed to have natural immunity to measles but should talk to their provider if they have concerns about their immune status.

Measles is an acute, highly contagious viral disease. Symptoms include fever, runny nose, cough, and rash. Although measles is usually considered a childhood disease, it can be contracted at any age. Generally, preschool children, adolescents, young adults, and inadequately immunized individuals comprise the majority of measles cases in the United States. There is no specific treatment for measles.

“The best defense against this highly contagious virus is to be MMR vaccinated. Two doses provides 97% effectiveness against measles,” added Davies.

If you think that you are having symptoms of measles, isolate yourself from others and call your healthcare provider, emergency room, or urgent care BEFORE arriving to be tested. Do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice.

UPDATED MEASLES TESTING GUIDANCE IN SHERIDAN COUNTY:

Panhandle Public Health District (PPHD) and Gordon Memorial Hospital are requesting if you are experiencing measles symptoms, including fever along with a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, or a rash: PLEASE DO NOT GO TO Gordon Memorial Hospital or Gordon Clinic for testing until you have called 877-632-2856 to determine if testing is needed.