Utah Reports First Measles Case in Years – Public Health Urges Vaccination
Utah has largely been spared of measles cases in the last decade, with only five confirmed cases since 2015, including three in 2017. However, recent scares have emerged in the state, including a passenger with measles traveling through Salt Lake International Airport and another potential exposure in southwest Utah.
Public health officials have announced the state’s first confirmed case of measles originating within Utah in at least two years. The diagnosis involves an unvaccinated adult in Utah County, prompting immediate concern as the source of infection remains unknown.
Health officials in Utah are sounding the alarm following the state’s first reported measles case of the year, involving an unvaccinated adult resident of Utah County. The most effective prevention against the measles is vaccination, with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine being 97% effective against measles when the person receives 2 doses.
Symptoms of measles typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and include high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that usually appears after 4 days of fever. Utah health officials urge the community to take immediate action to contain the situation.
Utah Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the state’s first case of measles in Utah County. The unvaccinated adult appears to have contracted the highly contagious disease within Utah. Although no other cases have been identified yet, the importance of vaccination is emphasized to prevent further outbreaks.
Overall, the case of measles in Utah County underscores the critical role of vaccination in public health and highlights the necessity of remaining vigilant against vaccine-preventable diseases.
