Measles Detected in Oswego County Wastewater, State Health Officials Warn
OSWEGO COUNTY, NY – Measles has been detected in wastewater samples collected in Oswego County, New York State health officials announced, prompting a call for residents to ensure they are fully vaccinated. The detection, made by the national commercial company WastewaterSCAN, marks the first indication of the virus’s presence in the region since routine wastewater monitoring began in october 2024 by the state’s Wadsworth Center.
The sample tested was above the national program’s reporting threshold,and further testing is planned for next week by both WastewaterSCAN and the Wadsworth center.
health officials emphasize that even small groups of under-immunized people can allow the virus to spread.About 1 in 10 people with measles require hospitalization.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus spread through coughing or sneezing, and can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours.It can be transmitted four days before a rash appears and up to four days afterward. Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that starts on the face and spreads across the body, often accompanied by a fever spiking above 104 degrees. The incubation period ranges from seven to 21 days after exposure.
Most individuals born before 1957 are considered immune due to likely prior exposure. The health department urges anyone unsure of their vaccination status to contact their healthcare provider or local health department.Full vaccination is notably recommended before international or domestic travel to areas experiencing outbreaks.
