Surveillance reveals measles virus in west Hawai‘i County’s wastewater system

The Hawai‘i Department of Health is actively investigating the first-ever detection of the measles virus in state wastewater.

The sample with the virus was collected on Aug. 11 from a monitoring site in west Hawai‘i County, according to the department’s news release. The exact location was not provided.

The sample was confirmed positive on Tuesday, but as of Wednesday there have been no confirmed cases reported in the area.

“The detection of measles in our wastewater is a clear signal to stay alert,” Hawaiʻi Gov. Josh Green said in the news release.

The Department of Health conducts regular statewide wastewater surveillance to detect early signs of infectious diseases. This testing can identify traces of virus shed in bodily waste, even from people who may be asymptomatic or haven’t sought medical care.

Measles virus testing was added to the surveillance program earlier this year through WastewaterSCAN in May, NWSS-Verily in July and Biobot Analytics in August.

“Measles hasn’t disappeared — and it only takes one case to spread,” said Green, a doctor who used to practice on the Big Island. “The best way to protect our community is by keeping vaccinations up to date.”

Although this wastewater detection does not confirm measles in the community, it acts as an early warning, encouraging increased awareness and preparedness for potential cases.

The last confirmed measles infection in Hawaiʻi was reported in April, prior to the implementation of measles wastewater testing, and is not connected to the current detection.

The Department of Health urges residents to ensure they are up to date with their measles, mumps and rubella vaccinations.

Measles is highly contagious and can be serious, especially for babies under age one who are typically too young to receive the vaccine. In some circumstances, infants between 6 and 12 months may be eligible for early vaccination if they have been exposed to a known case.

It is also important to note that anyone who has recently traveled — particularly to areas with ongoing measles outbreaks — and develops symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes or a spreading rash, should contact their healthcare provider right away.

The rash often begins as tiny red spots at the head and spreads downward. The disease can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, neurological illness and death.

As of Aug. 26, measles cases have been reported in 42 U.S. states, along with numerous international outbreaks.

The state Department of Health is preparing to issue a statewide medical advisory to healthcare providers, which will include testing guidelines and updated vaccination recommendations.

If you suspect you’ve been exposed or are showing symptoms, isolate immediately and seek medical advice to prevent further spread.

For MMR vaccinations, check with your doctor or local pharmacy.

For more information about measles, visit:

• DOH measles information website
• CDC measles website
• MMR vaccine factsheet