Measles cases detected in Summit County wastewater suggest the disease is more widespread than initially reported. According to state health officials, measles was detected in Provo-area wastewater on July 11. Testing of wastewater samples provides a more accurate picture of the disease’s spread, catching unreported cases that might not have been attributed to vaccination status.
Summit County Health Director Phil Bondurant warned of the virus’s contagious nature and its potential impact on families who are unvaccinated. Measles is an airborne disease with symptoms including fever, cough, red eyes, runny nose, and a body rash, which may appear within seven to 14 days after exposure.
Bondurant emphasized that while measles can cause minor illness in unvaccinated individuals, its impact on daily life can be significant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend two doses of the MMR vaccine as the best protection against the disease.
Source: https://www.kpcw.org/summit-county/2025-07-14/summit-county-wastewater-testing-underway-for-measles-virus