Omaha health brief: Smoke advisory system activated, water-park warning issued, and adult congenital heart care update

ByWeence

Omaha, NE – March 3, 2026 – Nebraska activated its 2026 smoke advisory system; DCHD warned about a downtown hotel water park; ACHD care updates.

Nebraska and Omaha-area health officials issued new reminders over the past several days on air quality alerts, public facility safety, and specialty follow-up care.

Air quality: Nebraska activates 2026 Smoke Advisory System

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) announced Feb. 27 that the state has activated its Smoke Advisory System for 2026. Under the system, DHHS says advisories will be issued when smoke from prescribed burns or wildfires is likely to significantly affect air quality in parts of Nebraska.

DHHS said advisories draw on smoke modeling and data from air-quality monitors, including monitors located in the Omaha area. The agency also noted that local health departments, including Douglas County, may issue additional information for their jurisdictions.

In the news release, DHHS said smoke can cause health problems such as burning eyes, runny nose and coughing, and it may affect some groups more severely, including children, older adults, and people with asthma, COPD, or pre-existing heart or lung disease.

Public health enforcement: Warning issued over downtown hotel water park

KETV reported Feb. 27 that the Douglas County Health Department issued a warning about the water park at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Omaha, saying it cannot verify the facility meets safety standards. The report said health officials ordered the water park closed in December after alleging significant noncompliance with mechanical, chemical and safety standards, but the pool remained open.

According to the report, Omaha police cited the owner and all permits were revoked. The health department urged visitors to be aware of potential risks of swimming at the facility.

Hospital care: Omaha providers highlight updated adult congenital heart guidance

Nebraska Medicine published a March 2 update noting the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have issued updated guidelines for managing congenital heart disease in adults. In the article, a Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Nebraska cardiologist said patients born with congenital heart disease should see an adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) expert at least once, and that many patients need lifelong follow-up at an ACHD center of excellence.

The health system said Nebraska Medicine and Children’s Nebraska is an accredited ACHD center of excellence and described its role in serving the region. The article also highlighted that adult patients can be lost to follow-up during adolescence and young adulthood, and that primary care teams can help reconnect patients to specialty care.

Sources

https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Smoke-Advisory-System-Activated-for-2026.aspx
https://www.ketv.com/article/douglas-county-health-department-warns-of-safety-issues-at-omaha-water-park/70543901
https://www.nebraskamed.com/for-providers/moments-in-medicine/updated-guidelines-call-for-lifelong-achd-specialist-care

If you have urgent symptoms, seek medical care. For general questions, talk with a licensed clinician.

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