Measles virus detected in wastewater

Published on July 13, 2026

Measles virus detected in wastewater from the Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant

For Immediate Release

YAVAPAI COUNTY, Arizona. –   Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials announced that wastewater samples from the City of Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant taken on July 7 and July 9, 2026, have tested positive for measles virus.

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) monitors wastewater to provide early detection of infectious diseases. The positive wastewater test, conducted by Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL), indicates that one or more people with a recent measles infection have been in the area.

People infected with the measles virus may shed the virus in their urine before a rash appears and for several weeks afterward. Wastewater test results can show when the measles virus is in the wastewater, but the results do not indicate how many people in the area are shedding the virus and cannot be traced back to individuals.

Due to the continued presence of measles activity statewide, and the positive detection in local wastewater, YCCHS and CCHHS are reminding residents and visitors of the importance of measles prevention.

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases and can cause severe disease in both children and adults. About one in 10 people with measles requires hospitalization, and measles can cause life-threatening illness.

The best way to prevent measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Most people born before 1957 are considered immune. Those who are unsure of their vaccination status should contact a trusted medical provider to verify their immunization records or get tested for measles antibodies. You can also contact the YCCHS Clinic at (928) 771-3122 (Prescott Area) or (928) 639-8130 (Verde Valley) or call the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic at (928) 679-7222 to determine your eligibility to receive an MMR vaccine and to make an appointment.

Measles symptoms include cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (eye redness) with high fever, followed by a rash that spreads down the body. Complications can include ear infection, lung infections and diarrhea. Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) is a rare but much more serious complication.

Individuals who develop any symptoms of measles should self-isolate, stay away from others and seek medical care. People with measles symptoms should first call their healthcare provider or medical facility before going in so they can receive instructions to prevent exposing others.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to be alert for unvaccinated patients with fever and rash, especially if they have a known exposure. Healthcare providers are required to report suspected cases of measles to their local health department. 

For more information, visit azdhs.gov/measles.

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