Communities across Oregon are working together to keep measles from spreading, and one of the most helpful tools we have is wastewater testing.
Wastewater testing looks for tiny pieces of viruses or other infectious diseases in the sewage water that flows from communities. This approach gives everyone an early clue when measles shows up in a community – sometimes before anyone develops symptoms. Early detection means we can respond faster and keep more people safe.
Dr. Howard Chiou, medical director for communicable diseases and immunizations at OHA, puts it simply: wastewater monitoring “gives communities a head start to prepare.” He compares it to a “ping on a radar”—a wastewater detection might indicate small amounts of virus passing through, or it might be an early sign of an outbreak. Either way, it helps everyone stay alert and ready.
Wastewater testing showed its power quickly. Soon after the program began, Oregon saw its first positive wastewater signal for measles. Just a few months later, the first cases were confirmed, and the numbers have continued to climb. To help Oregonian’s stay informed, OHA released a public dashboard that shows how much measles virus is detected in each county that participates in wastewater testing. It updates every two weeks so communities understand what’s happening around them. Local public health authorities and hospitals are also sharing exposure locations so people can understand their risk and take action when needed.
“Measles is here in Oregon and spreading in the United States,” Dr. Chiou said, “but the good news is that it’s preventable. We have a highly effective measles vaccine that’s been available since the 1960s, and decades of data show it’s safe. Getting vaccinated protects you, and it helps keep schools, workplaces, and neighborhoods healthy.”
And this is where whole communities can shine. Staying up to date on measles vaccination protects not just you, but also your family, your neighbors, and people who can’t get vaccinated. It’s one of the strongest ways we can support each other.
If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, now is a great time to contact your health care provider and make sure you’re fully protected. Together, we can keep Oregon healthy and strong.