As measles cases rise to precipitously high levels in the US this year, there’s a new tool to help track the spread: wastewater. Wastewater surveillance rose to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic, as testing sewage for virus particles helped provide early warning signs of increased transmission and fill the gaps as case reporting scaled back. Now, WastewaterSCAN has developed the first national wastewater monitoring program to detect measles in places where people are infected with the virus. It has the potential to identify possible cases days before an individual shows symptoms or seeks care. The new tool is available for use in nearly 150 wastewater treatment facilities across 40 states. At least 1,157 measles cases have been reported in the US this year, according to a CNN tally using data from state health departments. A large multistate outbreak centered in West Texas accounts for the vast majority. Texas has reported 742 outbreak-associated cases, New Mexico reported 81 cases, and Oklahoma reported 18 cases – 15 confirmed and three probable – as of Tuesday. Cases in Kansas, which the state health department says may also be linked to the outbreak, have reached 71 as of Monday. Experts say these numbers are all a severe undercount because many cases are going unreported. However, the nation is now fewer than 120 cases away from the total reported for all of 2019, the year with the highest number of measles cases – 1,274 - since the disease was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. South Dakota reported its first measles case of the year Monday, bringing the total number of states that have reported at least one case in 2025 up to 33. The new case in South Dakota is in an adult who travelled internationally, according to a news release from the state health department. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its measles guidance for travelers. “Travelers can catch measles in many travel settings including travel hubs like airports and train stations, on public transportation like airplanes and trains, at tourist attractions, and at large, crowded events,” a CDC advisory says. “Infected travelers can bring the disease back to their home communities where it can spread rapidly among people who are not immune. CDC recommends that all travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before traveling to any international destination.” Other recent examples include a case in Minnesota that was reported in an adult who was exposed during domestic air travel, and the New Jersey health department has warned of potential measles exposure in the Newark airport. There have been at least 14 outbreaks in the US this year, according to the CDC, accounting for 90% of cases. The CDC’s data is limited to confirmed cases and lags behind CNN’s tally for this year. The vast majority of cases in the US this year have been in people who are unvaccinated; only about 5% of confirmed cases have been in people who had received one or two doses of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, according to the CDC. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. The CDC recommends two doses as the best protection against the disease, with the first dose given at 12 to 15 months of age and the second between ages 4 and 6. Childhood vaccination rates have been declining across the US for years, with MMR vaccination coverage among kindergartners falling below the recommended 95% threshold for at least four years. New research from Johns Hopkins University, published Monday in the journal JAMA, emphasizes how widespread the decline has been. MMR vaccination rates among children have dropped in more than three-quarters of US counties, with an average drop of 2.7% between 2017 and 2024, according to the study. Vaccination rates have surged in some places that are experiencing measles outbreaks, however. In New Mexico, nearly twice as many MMR vaccines have been administered this year than there were at this point last year, according to data from the state health department. And a recent analysis of health records by Truveta, a health-care data and analytics company, shows that early vaccination rates jumped among infants in Texas. MMR vaccination rates among 6-month-olds in Texas this year are more than eight times higher than they were in 2019, and in March and April, about 1 in 5 children who received their first measles shot in Texas had gotten it early, before their first birthday. At least 133 people with measles have been hospitalized this year, according to the CDC, and there have been three deaths: two children in Texas and one adult in New Mexico, all of whom were unvaccinated.
Wastewater is now helping track measles spread around the US
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Wastewater Surveillance Program Launched to Monitor Measles Outbreaks in the US"
CNN
7.6
TruthLens AI Summary
As measles cases surge in the United States, a novel approach utilizing wastewater surveillance is being employed to monitor the spread of the virus. This method gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, where testing wastewater for viral particles provided early warnings of outbreaks. The newly established WastewaterSCAN program represents the first national initiative aimed at detecting measles in communities where the virus is present. With the potential to identify cases days before symptoms manifest, this tool is operational in nearly 150 wastewater treatment facilities across 40 states. This year, the U.S. has reported at least 1,157 measles cases, with a significant outbreak concentrated in West Texas, contributing to the bulk of the cases. Texas alone has reported 742 outbreak-associated cases, while neighboring states like New Mexico and Oklahoma have also documented cases linked to this outbreak. Experts caution that the actual number of cases is likely much higher due to underreporting, as the country is nearing the total number of cases reported in 2019, which marked the highest incidence of measles in nearly two decades since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently updated its guidance regarding measles for travelers, emphasizing the risk of contracting the virus in crowded public spaces and international travel hubs. The CDC advises that travelers be fully vaccinated against measles before embarking on international trips, as infected individuals can rapidly introduce the virus to unvaccinated communities. While the majority of measles cases this year have been among unvaccinated individuals, vaccination rates have seen a notable increase in areas experiencing outbreaks. For instance, New Mexico has reported a significant rise in MMR vaccinations, nearly doubling the numbers from the previous year. Additionally, Texas has observed a remarkable surge in early vaccination rates among infants, which is encouraging in light of the ongoing outbreaks. Despite the challenges presented by declining vaccination rates across the nation, which have fallen below the recommended threshold, the current situation highlights the critical need for increased immunization efforts to combat the spread of measles and protect public health.
TruthLens AI Analysis
As the number of measles cases in the US surges, the introduction of wastewater surveillance as a tracking method raises significant implications for public health. This article highlights a novel approach to monitoring infectious diseases, particularly measles, through wastewater analysis, a technique that gained traction during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Public Sentiment and Awareness
The article aims to increase public awareness about the rising measles cases and the innovative methods being implemented to combat its spread. By emphasizing the effectiveness of wastewater surveillance, the article fosters a sense of urgency and concern regarding public health. The potential for early detection of cases could encourage individuals to be more vigilant about vaccination and health measures.
Information Gaps
While the article provides a detailed overview of the current measles outbreak and the role of wastewater surveillance, it may inadvertently downplay the complexities surrounding vaccination rates and public health policies. There is a noticeable lack of discussion regarding the reasons behind the outbreak, such as vaccine hesitancy or misinformation. This omission could lead to misunderstandings about the root causes of the resurgence in cases.
Credibility and Manipulation
The article is grounded in factual reporting, citing sources such as the CDC and state health departments. However, the framing of the information could be perceived as manipulative. By focusing heavily on the innovative surveillance method without equally addressing the underlying public health challenges, it may create an impression that simply monitoring wastewater is a comprehensive solution to the outbreak.
Comparative Context
When compared to other health-related articles, this piece aligns well with ongoing discussions about public health surveillance systems. It highlights a growing trend of utilizing technology and innovative methods to address infectious diseases. However, the article could benefit from connecting the current situation to broader themes of healthcare access and equity, which are often overlooked in similar reports.
Potential Impacts
The implications of this article extend beyond immediate public health concerns. Increased awareness of measles could lead to renewed discussions about vaccination policies, public health funding, and community health initiatives. Economically, this could affect sectors related to healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and public health infrastructure, especially if policies are enacted to improve vaccination rates.
Target Audience
This article primarily appeals to health-conscious individuals and communities concerned about infectious diseases. It may resonate particularly with parents, healthcare professionals, and public health advocates who are focused on preventing outbreaks and promoting vaccinations.
Market and Investment Implications
On a broader scale, the article's focus on infectious disease monitoring could influence investor sentiment towards biotech and pharmaceutical companies involved in vaccine development and public health technologies. As awareness of measles spreads, companies that provide surveillance tools or vaccines may see increased interest from investors.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article itself does not explicitly address geopolitical issues, the resurgence of measles in the US amid international travel trends underscores the interconnectedness of global health. The mention of an adult case linked to international travel hints at the importance of global cooperation in managing infectious diseases.
Artificial Intelligence Considerations
It is plausible that AI tools were utilized in analyzing data trends or in the development of wastewater surveillance methodologies. Nevertheless, the article does not suggest a direct application of AI in its reporting. Should AI have played a role, it might have shaped the narrative towards a more tech-focused solution, emphasizing innovation over systemic public health challenges.
Examining the details presented, this article is mostly reliable in its reporting but could be seen as somewhat manipulative in its framing. The urgency surrounding the measles outbreak is clear, yet the complexity of the issue is not fully addressed.