OSWEGO COUNTY – The New State Department of Health (NYSDOH) issued an alert to the public, health care providers and local public health officials that low levels of the measles virus was detected in a wastewater sample collected earlier this week from a treatment facility serving parts of the City of Oswego and surrounding areas.
NYSDOH advises providers at area hospitals and health care facilities to be aware of and look for signs and symptoms of the measles virus when examining patients.
At this time, no measles cases have been identified in a person in Oswego County or surrounding areas; however, these positive wastewater test results indicate that at least one individual with the measles virus was in Oswego County.
“Wastewater surveillance is an early warning system that helps us stay a step ahead of infectious diseases,” said New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald. “This detection does not mean there is an outbreak. It is, however, a timely reminder to make sure you and your family are up to date on the MMR vaccine and to keep an eye out for symptoms.”
The state’s Wadsworth Center has routinely tested for measles in wastewater samples from locations around the state since October 2024. However, this recent detection in Oswego was from one of two locations tested by the national commercial company, WastewaterSCAN.
NYSDOH was notified by WastewaterSCAN that a low level of measles virus was detected in a sample collected from the water treatment facility serving parts of the City of Oswego and surrounding areas. Further testing on additional samples will be performed by both Wadsworth and Wastewater SCAN next week.
Wastewater surveillance is a vital early warning tool that can detect both symptomatic and asymptomatic virus cases in a community by sampling untreated sewage entering wastewater treatment plants. It serves as a reliable indicator of disease burden within an area at any given time and has been a gold standard early detection tool in New York State since 2022.
About this Detection:
- A wastewater sample tested positive for measles at low levels, above the national program’s reporting threshold.
- Wastewater detections cannot be tied to any individual.
- Wastewater signals can precede clinical detection and serve as an early warning indicator.
- No clinical measles cases have been reported locally to date. However, this positive wastewater test result indicates that there was at least one individual with measles in Oswego County.
In Oswego County, the immunization rate among children under 2 years of age is approximately 87.8%, leaving some children and adults susceptible to infection. Because measles is one of the most contagious diseases known, even small pockets of under-immunized individuals can allow the virus to spread. About 1 in 10 people with measles require hospitalization. Two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective against measles; one dose is 93% effective.
NYSDOH Response:
- Working with the Oswego County Health Department, SUNY Oswego and local health care partners to heighten awareness and monitor for potential cases.
- Alerting hospitals and clinics to be vigilant for measles symptoms and to follow infection-control protocols.
- Conducting further testing at the Wadsworth Center on more recent wastewater samples from Oswego and surrounding areas, in addition to ongoing enhanced wastewater monitoring.
- Health care providers have been alerted and are reminded to immediately report suspected measles cases to their local health department.
“Measles is highly infectious, so the most important thing is for people to be aware of its symptoms so that it can be identified as soon as possible, and take precautions not to spread the virus,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “If you have a high fever with cold symptoms and develop a rash, call a health care provider before going to a medical facility. They will tell you the best way to be seen, diagnosed and treated.
“Otherwise, we urge people to make sure their MMR vaccination is current,” she added. “Measles is especially dangerous to young kids who haven’t been vaccinated yet, as well as pregnant and immunocompromised people.”
People are also advised to follow routine personal care precautions such as washing their hands, covering their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs.
How Residents Can Protect Themselves:
- Individuals should check their vaccination status. The MMR vaccine is highly effective and the best protection against measles.
- Know the symptoms. Measles often begins with fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash typically appears several days later, starting on the face and spreading across the body. The rash may be accompanied by a fever that can spike above 104°F.
- Those who are sick should call ahead before visiting a clinic, urgent care or emergency department so infection-control steps can be taken.
The measles virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours. Serious complications may include hospitalization, pneumonia, miscarriage, pre-term birth, swelling of the brain and, in rare cases, death. Long-term complications may include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain disease that develops years after measles infection.
A person with measles can transmit the virus to others beginning four days before the rash appears and until four days afterward. The incubation period for measles is typically 7–14 days, but symptoms can appear up to 21 days after exposure.
Immunization Guidance:
Most people born before 1957 are considered immune because they were likely exposed to the virus. Anyone who is unsure of their vaccination status should contact their health care provider or local health department.
NYSDOH urges New Yorkers to be fully vaccinated against measles, particularly before international travel or travel to areas of the U.S. experiencing outbreaks.
Precautionary Action:
This early notification is precautionary. At this time, no measles cases have been identified in Oswego County, but NYSDOH is acting swiftly to alert providers and the public while confirmatory testing is underway.
Visit the NYSDOH’s dedicated measles website here for information about the measles, immunization data, and information for providers.
More information about the measles vaccine can be found here.
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