A method of surveilling wastewater for signs of measles is now in use statewide, after a pilot program alerted public health officials in Mesa County about the virus’ presence leading up to an outbreak in August.

Mesa County Epidemiology Supervisor Kathleen Satterfield said the pilot program detected a measles case in the area days before the first clinical detection was reported. While local officials had spent months preparing a measles response plan, the early warning gave staff a chance to put it in motion and “gain momentum” to combat an outbreak, according to Satterfield.

“The earlier we can get case investigation and contact tracing started, and notifying health care providers in the community, the faster we can locate cases in the community,” she said. “It is something that helpe

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