Measles Detected in Jackson County Wastewater as Health Officials Urge Vaccination Checks
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — The measles virus has been found in a sewage sample from the Jackson County treatment plant.
Jackson County Public Health Finds Measles in Sewerage
Sewage samples collected by Jackson County Public Health during routine wastewater testing on May 6 tested positive for the measles virus.
The positive sample met a low threshold level, marking a rapid increase from non-detectable to detectable measles concentrations in wastewater in the first low-level detection in Jackson County since measles wastewater collection began in October 2025.
Anyone who uses a bathroom connected to the sewage system contributes to routine wastewater testing and monitoring.
The recent finding indicates that at least one person in the area served by the wastewater treatment plant was infected with measles and suggests limited community spread. Test results can’t be traced back to any one person.
Sources: CDC measles guidance and Jackson County Public Health flash report
Dailytidings.com
About one in 10 people with measles requires hospitalization for measles, one of the most contagious diseases. It can cause severe, even life-threatening illness in both children and adults. In recent years, one to two of every 1,000 measles cases in the US have been fatal.
Jackson County Public Health is urging people to:
- Contact their health care provider or Jackson County Public Health to check their vaccination status and that of their family.
- Vaccinate: While most people born before 1957 are considered immune, the best and safest way to prevent measles is the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Jackson County Public Health Immunization Clinic offers the MMR vaccine for children and adults. Call 541-774-8209 to schedule an appointment or to speak to a nurse.