Science and public health at work! The Ebola outbreak in the DRC (64 cases, 43 deaths) appears to be under control thanks to rapid vaccination and monoclonal antibody treatments. @HealthDouglasCo @CDCgov @NEDHHS @UNMC_GCHS https://t.co/CeqPeXDUlk

Unsettling trend: fewer parents in Douglas County are vaccinating their children, despite decades of CDC & AAP evidence showing vaccines save lives. Pediatricians and PH don’t profit from shots; they recommend them to protect your kids! @HealthDouglasCo @UNMC_Pediatrics @UNMC_ID

A survey was administered to 610 adults in Omaha, St. Louis, Atlanta, North Carolina, and Mississippi. Across all sites, the responses were: 86% “strongly agree” or “agree” that the flu vaccine is safe; 83%. #fluseason @HealthDouglasCo @NEDHHS @omaha_scanner @UNMC_ID

Today's decision is about undermining independent medical expertise and will only further endanger the health of the American public, especially children. https://t.co/SFgjr1ISn6

Herd immunity occurs when a sufficient number of people are immune to a disease (usually through vaccination) that it can’t easily spread, thereby protecting even those who aren’t immune. For measles, we need ~95% coverage to stop outbreaks. @HealthDouglasCo @NEDHHS @KETV

A single measles case can cost public health ~$33,000—mostly for contact tracing, investigation, and containment. That doesn’t even include medical bills or lost productivity. One case = major strain on public health. @HealthDouglasCo @ketv @OWHnews @UNMC_ID @unmc @NEDHHS

Before the measles vaccine was introduced in 1963, the United States faced staggering numbers annually: 3 to 4 million infections 48,000 hospitalizations 400 to 500 deaths 1,000 cases of encephalitis (brain swelling)

The MMR vaccine remains one of our strongest tools in preventing outbreaks. We vaccinate not only to protect ourselves but also to shield those around us—our neighbors, classmates, and loved ones—who may not be able to fight off infection.

For measles, we aim for at least 95% vaccination coverage to protect the community. In Nebraska, current immunization rates are around 93% in school-aged children—close, but not quite enough to stop the spread if measles is introduced.

This is exactly why herd immunity is so critical. Herd immunity happens when a high enough percentage of the population is immune to a disease, making it much harder for the disease to spread, especially to those who are most vulnerable.

There are questions about Nebraska’s first measles case. The MMR vaccine is safe, used for 60+ years, and highly effective. But no vaccine offers 100% protection, especially in those with chronic illness or weak immune systems. We vaccinate to protect ourselves and others.

Nebraska has confirmed its first measles case of 2025. Measles is the most infectious airborne disease known to man—and it’s preventable. Check your MMR vaccination status and protect those around you. 🔗 https://t.co/j8L2t9B8dv @HealthDouglasCo @KETV @WOWT6News @UNMC_ID

Does this concern anyone? Part of my job is emergency preparedness. As funding is cut at all levels, we are expected to do more with much less! @fema @HHS_ASPR @HealthDouglasCo @DCEMA_Nebraska

With the Guardian reporting that “UnitedHealth managers pressed nurse practitioners to persuade Medicare Advantage members to change their “code status” to DNR even when patients had clearly expressed a desire that all available treatments be used to keep them alive,” I thought I

Proud to be published in Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology! Our article highlights DCHD’s response to a TB exposure in a daycare—real lessons from the field.Grateful for this team. 🔗 https://t.co/K0EICGHcKj @HealthDouglasCo @ChildrensNE @UNMCCOPH

Proposal defense ✅ “Creating a Blueprint: Establishing a Community Reception Center for Radiological Incident Management.” Grateful for my incredible committee & all who attended. One step closer to my DrPH! @UNMCCOPH @UNMC_AA @HealthDouglasCo

We hope this one year post tornado follow-up survey gives us insight to building a more resilient community! @HealthDouglasCo @UNMCCOPH @NWSOmaha @OmahaOfficial @DCEMA_Nebraska @omaha_scanner @OWHnews @KETV https://t.co/qotvm64UNV

Public Health is about making tomorrow better. We know, what we know today. Regardless of how twisted or distorted facts become, facts are still the truth. Know that Public Health is for you! @HealthDouglasCo @NEDHHS @OmahaOfficial @OmahaPolice @DouglasCountyNE

This is happening right now in Nebraska. The states budget is looking to cut 3 million out of public health funding, setting public health back a decade!

Probability of individual severe weather hazards later this evening. The storms that develop will likely be supercells. These will have the potential to produce 2" hail or bigger, wind gusts up to 70 mph, and perhaps a tornado or two. Be weather aware later today. Timing 5-10 pm.