A second child has died from measles in Texas. In Nebraska, kindergarteners' MMR vaccination rates dropped from 96.3% in 2019–20 to 93.5% in 2023–24—below the herd immunity threshold. Don’t wait for tragedy to strike here.

🤒 Flu activity is very high in Douglas County and still rising! Over 800 cases were reported last week—a 20% increase. Nearly 50% of cases this season are in kids under 15.

Influenza poses a significant risk to young children: Ages 0-4 have: 1.87x higher risk than 5-25 3.18x higher risk than 25-49 3.89x higher risk than 50-64 3.08x higher risk than 65+ Get the facts: cdc.gov/flu/highrisk... @unmc.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social

Kids aged 0-4 are nearly 2x more likely to get the flu compared to those aged 5-24 (case rates: 614.8 vs. 329.9 per 100k). Protect the little ones—get them vaccinated and stay vigilant this flu season! @unmc-pedsccm.bsky.social @nebraskamed.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social @ketv7.bsky.social

CDC Advisory: Human infections with avian influenza A(H5N1) detected amid high seasonal flu activity. Prioritize rapid subtyping of flu A specimens in hospitalized patients & ramp up efforts to detect non-seasonal flu. www.cdc.gov/han/2025/han... @unmc.bsky.social @nedhhs.bsky.social

Flu season reminder: Nebraska has already reported 3 pediatric deaths due to influenza. Last year, a record 200 children nationwide lost their lives to flu—80% were unvaccinated. @owhnews.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social

🤒🤧Influenza is skyrocketing in Douglas County! Nearly 400 cases reported last week, with a sharp rise in emergency department visits for flu-like illness. Protect yourself and others. @omaha-scanner.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social @ketv7.bsky.social @wowt6news.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social

Respiratory season is in full swing! #flu #publichealth @owhnews.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social

Ongoing/worsening cough? It might be pertussis, see your medical provider. ketv.com/article/doug...

2024 was a year of growth, challenges, and achievements at DCHD! From advancing health equity, tackling outbreaks, and celebrating 75 years of public health excellence, we proudly serve our community. Here's to a healthier 2025 together! @HealthDouglasCo @DouglasCountyNE

The integration of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screeners into our WIC and Clinic services highlights how we’re breaking down silos to provide more holistic care to our clients. We’re not just responding to public health challenges but setting a higher standard. @omaha-scanner.bsky.social

Today's #PublicHealth headlines: RSV (Illinois) Pertussis (US & New Zealand) Respiratory illnesses (multiple states) Rabies exposure (New York) Measles (Canada & Morocco) Mystery illness (DRC) Dengue (Hong Kong) Mpox & HIV (global)

According to the CDC, Nebraska has reported 171 invasive pneumococcal disease cases in 2024 (as of Dec. 7), slightly above the 168 cases reported in 2023. @unmc-pedsccm.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social @ketv7.bsky.social @wowt6news.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social

Public health is global! 🌍 Recent stories include: Pink cocaine, norovirus, pertussis (US) Dengue & suspected Zika (India) H5N1 (Louisiana) Polio (Pakistan) Cholera (Sudan) Yellow fever (Uganda) @unmc.bsky.social @unmccom.bsky.social @publichealthaus.bsky.social @publichealthlaw.bsky.social

The Nebraska Dept. of Agriculture has confirmed 2 more cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks, bringing the total to 5 cases in 2024. www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/ind... @ketv7.bsky.social @wowt6news.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social @nehumanesociety.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social

Last flu season, 205 children died from influenza, with CDC estimates closer to 724. 80% were not fully vaccinated. It’s not too late to protect your child: ✅ Get them vaccinated now ✅ Flu shots save lives (6mo+) @ketv7.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social

Pertussis alert: Cases continue to surge in Douglas County/Omaha Metro with 162 cases reported—the highest in the past decade. Nearly 19,000 potential exposures identified. Stay informed and protect your community. @ketv7.bsky.social @owhnews.bsky.social @unmc.bsky.social @omaha-scanner.bsky.social

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