Nebraska Clinics See Respiratory Surge from Wildfire Smoke

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska health officials are reporting a spike in respiratory illnesses as wildfire smoke from blazes in the western and central parts of the state deteriorates air quality across the region. The Panhandle Public Health District in Scottsbluff noted air quality index readings from 101 to 150 or higher — unhealthy levels for sensitive groups — as of early May 2026, urging residents to limit outdoor time and use indoor air filters. Vulnerable populations, including children under 18, adults over 65, pregnant women, and those with asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease, face heightened risks from ultrafine particulate matter penetrating deep into lungs.

The American Lung Association issued a statement from Omaha on March 13, 2026, warning of evacuations and unhealthy conditions from multiple wildfires, with smoke drifting into Colorado and beyond. Hospitals in the Midwest, including those in Nebraska, mirror trends seen in Madison, Wisconsin, where SSM Health St. Mary's pulmonologists treated more COPD patients for breathing irritations. Nebraska clinics have seen increased visits for wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches and asthma attacks, symptoms listed by the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy in guidance on reducing smoke exposure.

Beyond human health, wildfires threaten the state's beef industry. In Lincoln, reports highlight risks to calves from smoke-induced stress, with a 2026 study by Ranches et al. detecting elevated cortisol and ceruloplasmin levels in Simmental × Jersey calves exposed to nearby fires. Producers monitor rectal temperatures above 103.5 degrees for fever signaling bovine respiratory disease, as weakened immune function allows bacteria like Mannheimia haemolytica to proliferate, potentially cutting performance and increasing mortality.

Health experts recommend tracking air quality via EPA’s AirNow or PurpleAir sensors, avoiding indoor pollutants like candles or frying, and consulting doctors for personalized plans. Panhandle officials vow continued monitoring as fires persist, emphasizing vigilance to curb long-term impacts on Nebraska communities and agriculture.