Two More Adults in Utah Confirmed with Measles: What You Need to Know

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah has seen a rise in measles cases, with two new adult infections reported, bringing the total to three. This update comes from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

The new cases include one resident from Utah County and another from the southwest region. The first case, identified last week, marked the first measles case in the state in over two years. Notably, all three individuals are unvaccinated and do not know each other.

Public health investigations are ongoing. Officials are trying to pinpoint where these individuals may have been exposed. During the infectious times, the first patient visited several public places, including the Timpanogos Regional Emergency Room on June 14 and the Parkway Health Center in Orem on June 13.

Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah’s state epidemiologist, emphasized that anyone who visited these locations—especially unvaccinated people—should be alert for potential symptoms. Measles is highly contagious, spreading easily in public areas.

Symptoms of measles typically start 7 to 14 days after exposure, often beginning with a high fever, cough, runny nose, or red eyes. A rash usually appears about four days into the fever. Anyone showing these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic.

Fortunately, over 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated against measles. This high immunization rate offers strong protection against the virus, which can be particularly severe for young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Historically, measles was responsible for significant health challenges before vaccines became widely available. Experts point out that while outbreaks can happen, strong vaccination efforts have dramatically reduced their frequency.

In recent surveys, parents have expressed concern about maintaining vaccination schedules for their children, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s vital to stay informed, as full vaccination is the best defense against measles and its complications.

If you’re interested in learning more about vaccination rates and public health data, you can check resources from the CDC and the World Health Organization.

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