Nebraska to Test York County Wastewater for Measles

State health department will monitor for signs of the disease in local sewage.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will begin weekly testing of York County's wastewater for the presence of measles. The test results, which were not yet published as of Friday afternoon, will be posted on the DHHS website when available. Monitoring wastewater can provide an early warning system for the spread of infectious diseases like measles, allowing public health officials to take quick action.

Why it matters

Measles outbreaks can have serious public health consequences, especially for unvaccinated individuals. Proactive wastewater testing allows authorities to detect potential measles cases early and implement prevention measures before the disease spreads widely through a community.

The details

The DHHS will collect and analyze samples from York County's wastewater system on a weekly basis, checking for the presence of measles genetic material. This technique has proven effective in early detection of other infectious diseases. If measles is detected in the wastewater, the DHHS will be able to alert local health providers and the public to take appropriate precautions.

  • The DHHS will begin weekly wastewater testing for measles in York County.

The players

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

The state agency responsible for public health monitoring and disease prevention efforts.

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What’s next

If measles is detected in the wastewater samples, the DHHS will notify local health providers and the public to take appropriate precautions to limit the spread of the disease.

The takeaway

Proactive wastewater testing for measles and other infectious diseases can provide an early warning system, allowing public health officials to respond quickly and prevent outbreaks from escalating.