Utah health officials have confirmed two new cases of measles, bringing the state’s total number of cases identified this year to three. Both of the newly diagnosed individuals are unvaccinated adults from different regions of the state.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), one of the new cases is located in Utah County, while the other is in the southwest portion of the state. Authorities emphasize that these two new cases are unrelated to each other and are also not linked to the first measles case reported just days prior. All three confirmed cases involve unvaccinated adults.
Potential Exposure Locations Identified for First Case
The initial case, an unvaccinated adult also residing in Utah County, was reported last Friday. Health investigators have identified specific locations where this individual spent time while potentially infectious, advising that anyone present at these times could have been exposed:
Orem’s Timpanogos Regional ER: Saturday, June 14th, between 2:14 p.m. and 7:02 p.m.
Parkway Health Center in Orem: Friday, June 13th (specific time frame unknown).
Individuals who were at these locations during or up to two hours after the specified times are urged to be vigilant for symptoms.
Investigation Into Source and Spread
State health officials suspect that additional measles cases may exist within Utah, as the first case reported last week appears to have originated within the state rather than being travel-related. While one of the two new cases has been confirmed to have contracted the illness locally with no known travel history, the source of infection for the other two cases remains under investigation.
Public health investigators are actively engaged in contact tracing for the new cases to identify where these individuals may have exposed others. This process is challenging, as measles is highly contagious and an infected person can spread the virus for about nine days – from four days before the rash appears to four days after. Tracing involves meticulously reviewing an individual’s movements to identify potential contact locations.
Authorities highlight that while contact tracing is a crucial tool, the most effective way to prevent further spread by an infected person is for them to stay home. Vaccination also plays a vital role in limiting the reach of contact tracing efforts.
Understanding Measles Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness. Symptoms typically begin seven to 14 days after exposure and include:
High fever (often exceeding 102.2°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- A characteristic rash that usually appears about four days after the fever starts, beginning on the face and neck and spreading downwards.
- Isolate yourself immediately to prevent exposing others.
- Call your health care provider by phone FIRST before visiting a clinic or hospital. This allows staff to make necessary preparations to avoid potential spread in healthcare settings.
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Health Officials Advise Action
If you develop symptoms consistent with measles, health officials urge you to:
Vaccination Offers Strong Protection
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. The measles vaccine (typically given as part of the MMR shot) is highly effective. While not everyone can be vaccinated, such as very young infants, health officials note that over 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated against measles, providing significant protection for the vast majority of the population. The first dose of the MMR vaccine is recommended around a child’s first birthday, followed by a second dose typically between ages 4 and 6.
Despite high vaccination rates, unvaccinated individuals remain vulnerable. Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
Currently, the increase in cases in Utah coincides with an ongoing national measles outbreak, with the CDC reporting over 1,200 confirmed cases across 34 states and the District of Columbia. As of the latest reports, measles has not spread to Salt Lake County. Officials continue to urge the public to ensure they are vaccinated and to stay home when they are sick to protect the community.
