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Measles virus detected in Merced County wastewater, public health officials say
Thus far, no cases of measles have been identified in patients locally
merced wastewater
The Merced Wastewater Treatment Plant is shown, where county health officials reported that routine surveillance detected the measles virus in local wastewater. No clinical cases have been identified, but public health officials say wastewater testing can provide early warning of viruses circulating in the community and urge residents to ensure they are vaccinated.

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.

While the tool can identify the presence of a virus locally, it cannot determine who is infected.

The measles virus is spreads easily through the air when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes.

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, the release said,

Early symptoms of measles can include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes).

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.

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.