photo by: AP Photo/Mary Conlon, File

In this AP file photo, a nurse prepares a combination measles, mumps and rubella vaccine for a patient.

Measles has been detected in wastewater in Douglas County, the local health department announced Monday, though there are currently no confirmed cases here.

Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health said in a release that the measles virus was detected by WastewaterSCAN, a national program that monitors wastewater to track infectious diseases. The health department said that while wastewater testing can help “monitor for potential measles activity,” it can’t be used to tell how many people are infected or whether measles is spreading from person to person.

Measles is a respiratory virus that spreads through the air. It is highly contagious and can cause a high fever, a cough and a rash on the face, neck, torso, arms and legs. People who have not received the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine are especially at risk of infection.

“While there are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Douglas County, maintaining high vaccination coverage remains the best way to prevent measles and protect community members who may be at a higher risk for severe illness,” the release said. “If you have received two documented doses of MMR vaccine, your risk of getting measles is very low.”

If you have symptoms that you suspect might be measles, especially a fever followed by a rash, the health department said you should call ahead to your doctor’s office before seeking treatment so that they can take precautions. “Do not show up to a healthcare facility with symptoms of measles before first calling,” the release said.

Measles outbreaks have become more common across the U.S. as fewer kids get routine vaccines due to parental waivers, health care access issues and disinformation, as the Associated Press reported. In 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed 2,242 measles cases across 44 states — the most since 1991 — and nearly 50 separate outbreaks. That included an outbreak in southwest Kansas that peaked at 87 cases, most of which were in children. More than 90% of those cases involved people who were not vaccinated against measles, as Kansas Reflector reported.

If you have questions about measles or the MMR vaccine, the release said you can call Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health at 785-843-3060.