Measles

Date: 04/03/25

​​​​Measles can easily spread to other people  through coughing and sneezing. It can live in an airspace for up to two hours after a person with measles has been in the area.

Measles can cause severe complications. About 1 in 5 people in the U. S. who get measles will be hospitalized. 1 out of every 1,000 children with measles will develop brain swelling, which can lead to brain damage. 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles will become sick.

Experts say that an increase in U.S. measles cases in recent years may be due to communities where pockets of unvaccinated people live.

If you do not have written documentation of measles immunity, you should get vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles vaccines are free for Nebraska Total Care members.

 

Member Services can answer questions about Nebraska Total Care. We have people to help you Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Central. 1-844-385-2192 (TTY 711).