In a significant public health development, low levels of the measles virus have been detected in a wastewater sample collected earlier this week from a treatment facility serving parts of Oswego County, New York. According to a report from the New York State Department of Health, this facility caters to the City of Oswego and its surrounding areas. The presence of the virus in the wastewater suggests that at least one individual with the virus may have been present in the county, as outlined in a news release issued by the health department on Saturday.
Despite the detection of the measles virus in wastewater, health officials have emphasized that no measles cases have been reported in the area. Dr. James McDonald, the state Health Commissioner, clarified, “This detection does not mean there is an outbreak. It is, however, a timely reminder to ensure that you and your family are up to date on the MMR vaccine and to keep an eye out for symptoms.”
Current statistics show that in Oswego County, approximately 87.8 percent of children under the age of two are immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). However, this still leaves a portion of the population, including some children and adults, susceptible to infection. In comparison, the immunization rate in Central New York stands at 87.1%, while Onondaga County boasts a slightly higher rate of 89.2%. On a statewide level, the immunization rate is 81.2%, with Yates County reporting the lowest at 55.8%, and Niagara County having the highest rate at 89.3%.
Measles is renowned as one of the most contagious diseases, and even small clusters of under-immunized individuals can facilitate the spread of the virus. Health officials note that approximately 1 in 10 people infected with measles require hospitalization. To mitigate the risk of infection and transmission, individuals are encouraged to verify their vaccination status and familiarize themselves with the symptoms of measles.
Measles typically presents with initial symptoms such as a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. Following these symptoms, a characteristic rash usually appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body. This rash may be accompanied by a fever that can exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The virus is airborne and can be transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes, with the virus remaining in the air for up to two hours. Notably, measles can be contagious from four days before the rash appears until four days afterward.
The incubation period for measles generally ranges from seven to 14 days, though symptoms can manifest up to 21 days after exposure. Most individuals born before 1957 are considered immune to measles due to likely exposure. Health officials strongly recommend that anyone uncertain of their vaccination status reach out to their health care provider or local health department. They also urge the public to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles, especially prior to international travel or visits to areas within the U.S. experiencing outbreaks.
The detection of the measles virus in Oswego County wastewater was identified by WastewaterSCAN, a national commercial testing company, which sampled two locations. The New York State’s Wadsworth Center has been routinely testing for measles in wastewater samples statewide since October 2024. The detected sample exceeded the reporting threshold established by the national program, prompting further testing by both WastewaterSCAN and the Wadsworth Center in the upcoming week.
