The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has detected measles in Lincoln wastewater again, roughly one week after the department confirmed it’s first case in over 30 years.
Measles was detected in samples taken Jan. 26 and 28 at the Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility. The department collects samples every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Measles was not detected in samples collected on Friday, January 30.
Health Director Kerry Kernen said no additional cases of measles have been reported in the county.
“We continue to monitor our wastewater samples closely,” said Kernen in a statement. “We expected to see more instances of measles detected in wastewater since we did have a case of the disease in the community and people can shed the virus for days to weeks even after they’re no longer contagious.”
Residents can find local wastewater data at data.wastewaterscan.org.
Measles is spread through the air by breathing, coughing or sneezing. The disease starts with a fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes and sore throat and is followed by a rash that usually appears on the face and then spreads downward over the body. It can also cause severe complications like pneumonia and encephalitis.
If you think you have measles, isolate yourself from others and call your health care provider, urgent care or nearest emergency room before arriving to be tested. Do not arrive at a healthcare facility without giving advance notice.
If you think you have been in contact with someone who has measles, please call the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Communicable Disease program at 402-441-8053.
For more information on Lancaster County’s measles response, visit lincoln.ne.gov.