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Detection of the measles virus in West Hawaii wastewater should get residents' attention -- and should spur those still not immunized to get the protective MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine. Measles has long been a preventable disease -- but unfortunately, antivaxx rhetoric in recent years has led to lower immunization rates against once-eradicated diseases.

The state Department of Health is monitoring for any signs of a measles outbreak; meanwhile, be alert for symptoms -- and do your part to protect loved ones and the community. Get vaccinated.