Merced County Department of Public Health officials on Friday announced the measles virus was detected in wastewater from the Merced Wastewater Treatment Plant during routine surveillance.
Thus far, no clinical cases of measles has been identified in patients locally, according to a news release.
The virus was found by researchers through a process called wastewater surveillance. It’s a useful tool to track not only measles, but a variety of infectious pathogens.
Researchers collect test samples of local wastewater. Those can provide early warning signs of viruses shed in bodily waste, often before people develop symptoms or cases are identified through clinical testing, the release said.
According to the release, while surveillance can help identify the presence of a virus in the community, it cannot determine who is infected, where they live, or how many people are affected.
Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, typically given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose of the MMR vaccine after age 1.
A positive detection may reflect a local case or an infected traveler who used a restroom while passing through the area.
The measles virus is spread easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes, according to the release.
The infected person can spread the disease up to four days before a measles rash appears, and up to four days after the rash appears.
Early symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes).
To obtain the measles vaccination, call your healthcare provider or the Merced County Department of Public Health Clinic at (209) 381-1023 to ensure protection.