Measles Detected Again in Lincoln Wastewater

No new cases reported, but health officials continue to monitor for potential spread.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has reported that traces of measles have been detected in wastewater samples taken on January 26 and 28 at a treatment facility in north Lincoln. This comes after the county reported its first measles case in over 30 years last month. No additional cases have been reported, but the health department is closely monitoring the situation.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and encephalitis. The detection of measles in wastewater suggests the potential for further spread in the community, even if no new cases have been officially reported.

The details

Wastewater samples are collected by the health department three times per week. Measles was detected in samples taken on January 26 and 28, but not in the sample collected on January 30. The health department says they expected to see more instances of measles in wastewater since the county had a recent case, as people can continue shedding the virus for days or weeks after they are no longer contagious.

  • Measles was detected in wastewater samples taken on January 26 and 28, 2026.
  • Measles was not detected in the wastewater sample collected on January 30, 2026.

The players

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department

The local public health department responsible for monitoring and responding to infectious disease outbreaks in Lincoln and Lancaster County, Nebraska.

Kerry Kernen

The health director for the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We continue to monitor our wastewater samples closely. 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.”

— Kerry Kernen, Health Director (1011now.com)

What’s next

The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department says it will continue closely monitoring wastewater samples for any further signs of measles in the community.

The takeaway

While no new measles cases have been reported, the detection of the virus in wastewater samples suggests the potential for further spread. Health officials are urging residents to be vigilant, get vaccinated, and seek medical care if they suspect exposure or symptoms of measles.