The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has reported a second detection of the measles virus in wastewater from West Maui County. The positive sample was collected on November 30, 2025, and tested through the National Wastewater Surveillance System (NWSS).
This follows an earlier detection of measles in Maui wastewater from samples taken on November 18 in Central and West Maui. According to DOH, two subsequent rounds of samples collected on November 24 and 25 from the same treatment plant in West Maui tested negative for the virus.
No further detections have been made at the Central wastewater treatment site after three rounds of testing conducted in late November. As of now, there are no confirmed cases of measles on Maui or elsewhere in Hawaii. However, DOH has advised medical providers to remain vigilant.
“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. Infants under 1 year of age are at particularly high risk because they are too young to be vaccinated, but in certain situations, vaccination may be recommended for children between 6 and 12 months if they are exposed to a known case. To get an MMR vaccine, contact your medical provider or pharmacy,” stated DOH officials.
Measles symptoms typically begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes before developing into a rash that starts at the head and spreads downward. Complications can include pneumonia, neurological illness, and death.
“People with measles are contagious from four days before the rash appears through four days after,” according to DOH guidance.
Individuals who suspect they may have symptoms or exposure should isolate immediately and consult their health care provider for advice on preventing further spread.
For more information about measles and related resources:
– Visit the DOH measles information website
– Refer to the CDC measles website
– Review this MMR vaccine factsheet
– Explore Wastewater Data for Measles | National Wastewater Surveillance System | CDC
– See updates via the WastewaterSCAN Dashboard
