Measles Cases Climb in Utah, Pregnant Women Among Those Infected
Utah health officials have confirmed two additional cases of measles, bringing the state’s total count of confirmed diagnoses to five. Notably, two of the individuals among the five cases are pregnant women, a demographic considered at higher risk for severe complications from the highly contagious illness.
The two newly diagnosed cases were not vaccinated against measles and had known contact with previously confirmed cases in the state. One is a minor, and the other is an adult. These new infections are located in different parts of Utah: one residing in Utah County and the other in the Southwest Utah Public Health District. Health teams are actively investigating potential exposure sites associated with these individuals.
This rise marks a significant change for Utah, which had not seen measles cases in years until recently. State health officials have expressed concern about the sudden increase and the evidence of local transmission.
Why Measles is Dangerous, Especially During Pregnancy
Public health authorities are particularly concerned about the confirmed cases in pregnant women. Measles infection during pregnancy significantly elevates the risk of serious adverse outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and potential medical complications for the baby. Pregnant individuals are also more likely to experience severe infections themselves, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Two of the five confirmed cases in Utah have required hospitalization, underscoring the potential severity, even though both patients have since been discharged.
Due to these heightened risks, health officials strongly recommend that women planning to become pregnant ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles before attempting to conceive. The MMR vaccine cannot be given during pregnancy, making pre-conception vaccination crucial for protection. Officials advise waiting at least four weeks after receiving the MMR vaccine before trying to get pregnant.
Understanding Measles Symptoms and Prevention
Measles is a serious respiratory disease caused by a virus. Initial symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often include a high fever (102.2°F or higher), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually develops about four days after the fever begins, starting on the face and spreading downwards. Measles is incredibly contagious and can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
Health officials uniformly emphasize that the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective tool for preventing measles infection and stopping its spread. For most people, two doses provide about 97% protection. While breakthrough cases in vaccinated individuals can occur, they are generally much milder, less likely to require hospitalization, and less contagious.
Who Should Be Concerned?
While state epidemiologists note that over 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated and considered “highly protected,” this outbreak highlights the risk for those who are unvaccinated. All confirmed cases in this recent surge were among unvaccinated individuals.
Pediatric experts add that infants under six months receive some protection from maternal antibodies if their mothers were vaccinated, but this protection is temporary. Babies between six and twelve months may receive an early vaccine dose if traveling to high-risk areas, though the standard first dose is later as it provides more durable immunity.
Individuals who may have received a measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967 should consult a healthcare provider. Some vaccines used during this period were less effective, and officials recommend verifying immunity through a blood test or receiving another dose of the MMR vaccine to ensure protection.
Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with measles is advised to stay home and contact a healthcare provider immediately, informing them of potential exposure or symptoms before arriving at a clinic or hospital. This helps prevent further spread to vulnerable individuals.
