The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department is urging 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.
No cases have been reported in Lancaster County at this time. “We’re very concerned about this latest development. Measles can spread quickly and make some people severely ill,” says Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Director Kerry Kernen. “We urge residents to check their vaccination status to make sure they have protection against the disease.”
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.
Kernen says 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.
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