AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin Public Health said in a Tuesday press release that it detected “traces of measles” in Travis County’s wastewater.
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The health agency said its wastewater surveillance program detected the traces in samples taken during the first week of July. Test results of those samples were sent to APH on July 18, the release states.
Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes called the detection an “important reminder” of why people should get the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.
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“While we haven’t experienced an outbreak here in our community, it can only be a matter of time if we leave ourselves unprotected. Getting vaccinated helps to keep you, your family and your friends safe from disease,” Walkes said in the release.
According to APH, Travis County has had only two positive measles cases in 2025, both of which were travel related. In May, KXAN reported that Williamson County confirmed five cases…