Hawaiʻi Island – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring a positive wastewater sample for measles virus, the first time the virus has been detected in the state’s wastewater. The sample was collected on August 11, 2025, at a site in West Hawaiʻi County, and the DOH was notified of the result on August 26, 2025. As of August 27, 2025, no suspected measles cases have been reported.
Wastewater sampling is a routine part of infectious disease surveillance and can detect viral genetic material shed by infected individuals, even if they are not showing symptoms.
Governor Josh Green, M.D., stated, “The recent detection of measles virus in our wastewater is a reminder that this disease is still a threat. Vaccination remains our strongest defense to stop measles before it spreads in Hawaiʻi. Let’s work together to protect each other and keep our islands safe and healthy.”
The DOH urges everyone to stay up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. If you traveled to an area with a current measles outbreak, or if you think you have symptoms, isolate immediately and contact your healthcare provider.