Measles Alert: Utah County Confirms First Local Case in Years

Utah public health officials have announced the state’s first confirmed case of measles that originated within Utah in at least two years. The highly contagious disease was identified in an adult in Utah County, prompting urgent warnings for residents to check their vaccination status and monitor for symptoms.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) confirmed the diagnosis in an adult patient, aged between 20 and 40 years old, who resides in Utah County. A significant detail is that the individual was unvaccinated and had no recent history of travel outside of Utah. This indicates the infection was transmitted locally, a key difference from the state’s last reported case two years ago, which was linked to an international traveler.

Dr. Leisha Nolen, the state epidemiologist, expressed concern that the source of the infection has not yet been identified. “We have not been able to identify how that happened,” Dr. Nolen stated, suggesting it’s highly likely there are additional, currently undetected measles cases circulating within Utah.

Potential Exposure Locations

Before receiving their diagnosis and isolating, the infected individual visited several public locations while they were contagious. Health officials warn that anyone who was at these sites during the specified times, or up to two hours afterward, could have been exposed to the virus:

Parkway Health Center, 145 W. 1300 South, Orem: Visited on June 13. A specific time is not immediately known, but exposure could have occurred at any point during that day.
Timpanogos Regional Emergency Room, 750 W. 800 North, Orem: Visited on June 14 between 2:14 p.m. and 7:02 p.m.

Individuals who were present at these locations during these timeframes, especially those who are unvaccinated, are strongly urged to monitor themselves closely for measles symptoms.

Recognizing Measles Symptoms

Measles symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure, although they can take up to three weeks to appear. Early signs can include:

High fever (often exceeding 102.2°F or 39°C)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes

A characteristic measles rash usually appears about four days after the fever starts. The rash often begins at the hairline and spreads downwards across the face, neck, and body. It’s important to note that a person can spread measles to others even before the rash appears and before symptoms are fully visible.

What To Do If You Suspect Measles

If you were potentially exposed or develop symptoms consistent with measles, health officials advise you to stay home and isolate yourself from others immediately.

Call your healthcare provider FIRST before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or hospital. Calling ahead allows staff to take precautions to prevent potential exposure to others in the healthcare setting.

Understanding Measles Severity and Vaccination

Measles is highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, particularly in unvaccinated individuals, infants under 1, pregnant people, and those with weakened immune systems. Potential complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), seizures, hospitalization, and even death. Nationally, three measles-related deaths have been reported this year amidst a significant increase in cases. As of mid-June, the CDC had reported over 1,200 confirmed measles cases across more than 30 U.S. states and jurisdictions, a stark rise from the previous year.

The most effective protection against measles is vaccination. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against infection, while one dose offers about 93% protection. Even if a vaccinated person contracts measles, the illness is typically much milder.

Utah boasts a relatively high overall vaccination rate, with over 90% of residents vaccinated against measles. However, health officials note concern regarding potential lower vaccination rates in some areas or among young children, which can create pockets where the virus can spread.

Protecting Vulnerable Populations Through Herd Immunity

Vaccination isn’t just about individual protection; it also contributes to herd immunity. This is critical because certain individuals, such as infants under one year old who are too young to be vaccinated or those with medical conditions preventing vaccination (like compromised immune systems), cannot receive the vaccine and rely on the immunity of those around them to stay protected. A high community vaccination rate helps prevent the virus from spreading, shielding these vulnerable groups. (Note: Individuals born before 1957 are generally presumed to have immunity due to widespread natural exposure before vaccination was common).

Checking Your Vaccination Status

Officials strongly recommend ensuring you and your family are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations. If you’re unsure of your status, you can:

Consult your healthcare provider.
Check the online Utah Statewide Immunization Information System.

Use the Docket app to access your records.

There is no known harm in receiving an additional dose of the MMR vaccine if you are already immune.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services, including Executive Director Tracy Gruber and Medical Director Dr. Stacey Bank, assured the community that immediate action is being taken to contain the situation. They urge unvaccinated individuals to speak with their doctors about getting vaccinated to protect themselves and the broader community.