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Rural Health Matters: Measles Outbreaks

University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.

February 18, 2026 01:58 PM • 
Marion Kirkpatrick, RFD NEWS STAFF

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA (RFD NEWS) — On this week’s Rural Health Matters, the focus turns to recent measles outbreaks reported in several parts of the country and what they mean for rural communities.

Dr. Jeffrey Gold, president of the University of Nebraska, joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to provide an update on the outbreaks and address whether measles is something many believed had been eliminated in the United States.

In his conversation with RFD NEWS, Dr. Gold discussed the current situation and the importance of awareness as cases re-emerge. He also touched on vaccinations, including why they have long been recommended and why some individuals may now question their use, and offered a perspective on the role vaccines play in preventing the spread of measles and protecting public health.

Before wrapping up, Dr. Gold shared final thoughts with viewers on staying informed and proactive about rural health.

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Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion Kirkpatrick
Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

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