Oregon Health Authority Issues Measles Alert After Detection in Marion County Sewage

Yesterday, the Oregon Health Authority OHA alerted health care providers that measles was detected in Marion County wastewater in a sewage sample through routine testing on October 6, implying that at least one person in the county has measles.

Measles Virus In Marion County Wastewater

The precautionary health care alert, sent via the Health Alert Network (HAN), was issued after the positive sample collected on October 6 from a wastewater (sewerage) treatment plant in Marion County showed that at least one person is infected with the measles virus within the local area serviced by the wastewater treatment plant.

OHS confirmed that the positive detection may have come from a person simply traveling through the area, and does not show whether there is an ongoing risk to the community. Wastewater surveillance is an early warning to give communities a chance to prepare for seasonal and emerging infectious diseases.

Sewage flows into water systems whenever people flush a toilet, use a sink, or take a shower, and is then carried to local wastewater facilities. Everyone who uses the sewage system contributes to wastewater, and test results cannot be traced back to individuals.

OHA and Marion County health officials say health care providers should be vigilant and monitor for patients who might have measles. Members of the public should ensure they are up to date on measles vaccination.

Health care providers should encourage patients with measles symptoms to call ahead before visiting their medical clinic or facility so infection control measures can be taken.

All clinicians must report suspected and confirmed cases of measles to the local public health authority immediately.

How To Protect Yourself From Measles

Measles, one of the most contagious diseases,  can cause severe disease in both children and adults. About one in 10 people with measles requires hospitalization, and measles can cause life-threatening illness.

Complications can include ear infection, lung infections, diarrhea, and- in rare cases, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). One to two of every 1,000 measles cases have been fatal in the US in recent years.

To protect yourself against measles:

• Know your vaccination status and your family’s status.
• Get the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Although most people born before 1957 are considered immune, contact your health care provider if you’re unsure.
• Recognize the symptoms: Measles symptoms include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (eye redness) with high fever, followed by a rash that spreads down the body.
• More information about measles is available on the Oregon Health Authority Measles webpage.