Measles found in Summit County wastewater again, raising questions about case counts

A 3D graphic representation of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle, that was studded with glycoprotein tubercles. Photo: Photo by CDC on Unsplash

The measles virus was detected in Summit County wastewater from a sample taken September 9. It was also detected in an August 26 test.

SUMMIT COUNTY — While Utah health officials have now confirmed 33 measles cases statewide, new wastewater data suggests the virus is present in more communities than case counts reflect — including Summit County, according to a report by the Salt Lake Tribune.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services detected measles in a Summit County wastewater sample collected Sept. 9. Summit County also tested positive for presence of measles in its wastewater on August 26. While no cases have been officially confirmed in the county, the second finding suggests the virus may be circulating locally. State health officials caution that the reported case count likely does not capture every infection across Utah.

“It’s difficult to know exactly how many people have been infected if they don’t seek medical care,” Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state epidemiologist, told the Tribune.  She noted that wastewater testing helps identify where the virus may be spreading undetected.

Wastewater data doesn’t identify who is infected, or how many people may have the virus — it just signals that at least one person in the area is carrying it, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Public health officials see it as an early indicator that measles could be spreading outside the areas where confirmed cases already exist.

Summit County was among five health districts — along with Bear River, Davis, Salt Lake, and TriCounty — where measles was recently identified in wastewater but not yet confirmed by individual cases. Most confirmed infections to date have been concentrated in Utah County, Southeast Utah, and Southwest Utah, where 23 of the statewide cases have been recorded.

Health officials continue to monitor exposures connected to community events, including a Utah High School Cycling League race at Soldier Hollow on Aug. 16, where several cases were traced. The state has also issued alerts for potential exposures at Hurricane Peach Days, Water Canyon High School, and a second cycling league race in Cedar City.

The Utah Department of Health emphasized vaccination as the best protection against measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is considered 97% effective with two doses, and most Utah residents are already vaccinated, officials said.