Public Health Surveillance Report: Measles Detection in Travis County Wastewater

Executive Summary: Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

This report details the recent detection of measles virus traces in Travis County’s wastewater system. This public health surveillance initiative directly contributes to the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The early warning capability of this system is a critical tool for advancing SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by enabling proactive measures to prevent communicable disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the use of sanitation infrastructure for health monitoring highlights an innovative application of resources central to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). These efforts collectively support the development of resilient urban environments as outlined in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by safeguarding public health.

Wastewater Surveillance Findings

Austin Public Health (APH) officials confirmed the detection of measles from wastewater samples collected during the first week of July. This finding represents a significant development in the region’s public health monitoring.

• Detection Event: Traces of the measles virus were identified in samples from sewage treatment plants in Travis County.
• Program Context: This is the first time measles has been detected via the wastewater surveillance program, which was established three years ago primarily to track COVID-19.
• Strategic Importance: The detection serves as an early warning, providing public health officials with critical information before clinical cases may become widespread, a key objective for maintaining community health under SDG 3.

Public Health Analysis and Response

The detection has placed local health authorities on heightened alert. The analysis suggests potential sources for the virus’s presence, prompting a proactive public health stance.

Possible Scenarios

1. An individual infected with measles was traveling through the Austin area.
2. An undiagnosed case of measles exists within the community.

According to Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health Authority, this surveillance provides vital intelligence. Julie Nahrgang of the Water Environment Association of Texas noted that such early detection is an essential tool for public health officials, especially as measles cases are increasing. This collaborative approach between health and water management authorities exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), leveraging cross-sectoral expertise to protect community well-being.

Statistical Context and Vaccination Imperative

The local finding is situated within a broader trend of rising measles cases. Vaccination remains the most effective tool for prevention, directly aligning with the SDG 3 target of ending epidemics of communicable diseases.

• Statewide Data: The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed 762 measles cases since late January.
• Local Data: Travis County has recorded two travel-related measles cases this year.
• Vaccination Efficacy: Health officials report that 94% of individuals who contract measles are unvaccinated. A full two-dose MMR vaccination regimen provides 97% protection.

This data underscores the urgent need for maintaining high vaccination coverage as the new school year approaches to ensure the health and safety of the community, particularly children.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses issues related to public health surveillance, disease prevention, and the use of sanitation systems for health monitoring. Based on this, the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are relevant:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: This is the most prominent SDG, as the article’s central theme is the detection of measles, a communicable disease, and the public health response to prevent an outbreak. It discusses vaccination, disease surveillance, and early warning systems.
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: This SDG is connected through the methodology used for disease detection. The article explains that “Wastewater is collected from sewage treatment plans” for surveillance. This highlights the role of sanitation infrastructure and wastewater management as a tool for public health.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Several specific targets can be identified based on the information provided:

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

1. Target 3.3: “By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and other communicable diseases.”
   • Explanation: The article is entirely focused on detecting and preventing the spread of measles, which is a highly communicable disease. The efforts of Austin Public Health (APH) to monitor wastewater for measles and remain on “heightened alert” directly contribute to combating such diseases.
2. Target 3.8: “Achieve universal health coverage, including… access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.”
   • Explanation: The article emphasizes the importance of vaccination. Dr. Walkes states that “94% of people who have had measles were unvaccinated” and that two shots of MMR provide “97% protection.” This highlights the critical role of vaccine access and coverage in public health, which is a cornerstone of universal health coverage.
3. Target 3.d: “Strengthen the capacity of all countries… for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks.”
   • Explanation: The use of wastewater surveillance is explicitly described as an “early warning” system. The article quotes Julie Nahrgang, who says, “this kind of early detection allows public health officials to have another tool in their toolbox in terms of early warning.” This demonstrates a strengthening of capacity for health risk management.

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

1. Target 6.3: “By 2030, improve water quality by… halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.”
   • Explanation: The article mentions that “Wastewater is collected from sewage treatment plans.” This implies the existence of wastewater management and treatment infrastructure. Using this infrastructure for public health surveillance represents an advanced application of wastewater management, contributing to the overall goal of safely managing sanitation and wastewater.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that align with the identified targets:

Indicators for SDG 3

• Incidence of communicable diseases (related to Target 3.3): The article provides specific numbers that serve as indicators of disease prevalence. It states, “762 cases of measles have been confirmed statewide” and “two people in Travis County have tested positive for measles this year.” These figures are direct measures of the incidence of a communicable disease.
• Vaccination coverage (related to Target 3.8): The article implies the importance of measuring vaccination rates by highlighting the consequences of being unvaccinated. The statement that “94% of people who have had measles were unvaccinated” points to vaccination coverage as a key metric for preventing disease and achieving health goals.
• Health early warning system capacity (related to Target 3.d): The implementation and use of “wastewater surveillance” itself is an indicator of a region’s capacity for early warning. The article notes that APH has been doing this for three years, showing a sustained capacity to monitor for public health threats.

Indicators for SDG 6

• Proportion of wastewater safely treated (related to Target 6.3): The article’s premise that wastewater is collected from “sewage treatment plans” and tested implies that a system for wastewater treatment is in place. The ability to conduct surveillance on this wastewater is an indicator of the sophistication and functionality of the sanitation system.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: kvue.com