Health department reports detection of measles in Lincoln wastewater

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department reported that measles has been found in a local wastewater sample.

In a press release on Friday, the health department said the wastewater sample was taken from the Theresa Street Water Resource Recovery Facility in north Lincoln.

The company conducting the health department’s wastewater testing, WastewaterSCAN, began testing samples in May of 2025.

According to the health department, this is the first time measles has been detected in any Lincoln sample.

There have been no cases of measles reported in Lancaster County at this time.

“What we know is that measles was present in our wastewater. But, the detection doesn’t tell us whether the virus came from a local resident or a person traveling through the community,” said Kerry Kernen, Health Director. “This finding does serve as a reminder regarding the importance of knowing your measles vaccination status and ensuring you’re current on your measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

Four measles cases were reported in Platte County in late 2025 and early 2026. According to officials, vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting measles.

Those most at risk of getting measles are people who have had no doses of the MMR vaccine or have not had measles.

Any adult or child who is unvaccinated and exposed to a positive measles case will need to stay home for 21 days.

For more information on measles and the vaccine, visit the health department’s website.