Wastewater in Alaska’s largest city signals warning about measles

By: Yereth Rosen

Outlets: Alaska Beacon

Published: July 29, 2026

Words: 811

Last Updated: 4 days, 21 hours ago

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At least one person in Anchorage had measles in early and mid-July, creating a risk that the highly infectious disease could spread through the state’s largest city, state health officials are warning.

The proof is in the sewage.

Samples taken from Anchorage’s John M. Asplund Wastewater Treatment Facility revealed genetic material from the strain of measles that has caused outbreaks in the Lower 48.

It means someone carrying the virus was in the …

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