TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) is alerting residents that measles virus was detected in a wastewater sample collected on March 20, 2026, from a treatment plant in Essex County that serves areas of Bergen, Passaic, Hudson, Union, and Essex counties. A subsequent sample taken on March 23, 2026, at the same site was negative. Wastewater levels can fluctuate, and a single detection may not persist in subsequent samples. At this time, no clinical cases in New Jersey residents have been identified in this region. The last confirmed case of measles in a New Jersey resident was in October 2025.

The measles test that was done detects wild-type measles virus; it does not detect the vaccine strain. Therefore, a detection of wild-type measles virus in wastewater means that people who currently have or recently had measles may be present in the community. This could include people who live or work in the community, or those who traveled through the community, including through Newark Liberty International Airport.

Wastewater surveillance detects viruses from infected people by sampling untreated sewage entering wastewater treatment plants and can serve as an early warning system for infectious diseases. This detection does not mean that there is an outbreak. Wastewater detections cannot be directly linked to individuals, but this positive wastewater test result indicates that at least one individual with measles was present in this region. Measles virus spreads through the air and through close contact with an infected person. It is not known to spread through wastewater.

The state’s Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) has been routinely testing for measles in wastewater samples from numerous locations around the state since September 2025. However, this recent detection was from one of six locations tested by the national commercial company, WastewaterSCAN. The Department was notified earlier today by WastewaterSCAN that a low level of measles virus was detected in a sample collected from an Essex County treatment plant. Further testing on additional samples will be performed by both PHEL and WastewaterSCAN next week.

As spring and summer holidays are popular for travel, social events, and large gatherings, the best way to protect against measles is to be up to date with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. 

With high levels of measles cases in the U.S. and increased opportunities to encounter international travelers, NJDOH encourages all residents to ensure they are up to date with the MMR shots. Anyone traveling internationally should be fully vaccinated before traveling. Infants ages 6–11 months old should get one dose of the MMR vaccine before travel. Then, they should get two more doses after their first birthday.

Anyone who suspects symptoms of measles (high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash) or an exposure should call their local health department or a health care provider BEFORE going to any medical office or emergency department. Special arrangements can be made for evaluation while also protecting other patients and medical staff from possible infection. Please do not visit a medical facility without calling ahead.

Resources:

• NJDOH Measles Webpage
• NJDOH Factsheet on Measles Exposure
• NJDOH Measles Information and Tips Fact Sheet
• NJDOH MMR Vaccine Information
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Measles Information
• CDC MMR Vaccine Information

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The New Jersey Department of Health is a nationally accredited health department working to ensure that all New Jerseyans live long, healthy lives and reach their fullest potential. With more than 6,000 employees, the Department serves to protect the public’s health, promote healthy communities, and continue to improve the quality of health care in New Jersey.