Whooping cough, chlamydia and chickenpox: Diseases that increased in the Panhandle in 2025

Chlamydia, whooping cough and chickenpox were among several diseases that saw an increase in the Nebraska Panhandle in 2025, according to the Panhandle Public Health District’s newly released annual disease surveillance report.

February 5, 2026Updated: February 5, 2026

By Casey Wonnenberg

Whooping cough, chlamydia and chickenpox: Diseases that increased in the Panhandle in 2025

Regional

Amherst Jubilee returns with four days of community events, family activities

Essink Trial Concludes with Hung Jury, Mistrial

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Bomb Threat

Day Three of Essink Trial Ends with Jury Deliberation

UNK students get chance to send research to International Space Station

Severe storms bring damaging winds to central Nebraska

Whooping cough, chlamydia and chickenpox: Diseases that increased in the Panhandle in 2025

Regional

Amherst Jubilee returns with four days of community events, family activities

Essink Trial Concludes with Hung Jury, Mistrial

Adams County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Bomb Threat

Day Three of Essink Trial Ends with Jury Deliberation

UNK students get chance to send research to International Space Station

Severe storms bring damaging winds to central Nebraska

State

Nebraska City police investigate fatal shooting

Gordon man facing multiple counts of child sexual assault reaches plea agreement

Brown County inmates moved to neighboring facility amid staffing shortage

Amherst Jubilee returns with four days of community events, family activities

Dan Osborn submits signatures to qualify for Nebraska Senate ballot

Two arrested in Western Nebraska narcotics investigations

Sports

UNK extends women's basketball coach Drew Johnson through 2029

Gary Sánchez hits first homer since April 14, Brewers complete sweep of Rockies with 12-4 win

Brewers score 8 late runs, stun Rockies 9-7 in wild 10-inning victory

Nebraska coaches share ideas and build connections during Shrine Bowl week

Kearney athletes embrace hometown opportunity during Shrine Bowl week

Shrine Bowl South players reflect on hometown pride ahead of final high school game

Ag & Outdoor

Outdoor notes: Rare lake sturgeon made 681-mile swim

Outdoor notes: Low water affecting Nebraska boaters this summer

Ag notes: Cattle placements rise 6% during April

NGPC still offers grazing, haying opportunities

Outdoor notes: Campers invited to take state park survey

Feed supplies tighten for Nebraska producers as drought persists