Measles Resurgence

Nebraska health officials are on high alert following a dramatic national surge in measles cases throughout 2025. While the state has maintained a relatively low count of confirmed cases (1-9 range as of November 1), the national context is alarming, with 1,798 confirmed cases across the U.S. this year—a nearly 600% increase compared to 2024.

The first confirmed case in Nebraska for 2025 was identified in May in Sheridan County. The outbreak is driven largely by pockets of unvaccinated populations and international travel. Health departments are emphasizing the MMR vaccine, noting that 9 out of 10 susceptible individuals will become infected if exposed to this highly contagious airborne virus.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis activity has remained elevated throughout 2025, with 316 cases reported year-to-date, significantly outpacing the 202 total from 2024. The outbreak has primarily affected adolescents aged 11-14, a demographic where immunity from early childhood vaccines often begins to wane.

H5N1 Avian Influenza in Dairy

In a significant shift for zoonotic disease surveillance, Nebraska confirmed its first case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a dairy cattle herd on September 15, 2025. While H5N1 has affected poultry in the state for years, the jump to dairy cattle represents a new vector. The affected herd in central Nebraska was placed under quarantine. The USDA and CDC maintain that the risk to the general public remains low, provided that pasteurized milk products are consumed.