OREM, utah, 2025-06-20 21:33:00
- A Utah County resident between 20 and 40 years old has tested positive for measles, the first case in the state in two years.
- The individual hadn’t traveled recently, indicating the infection occurred locally and perhaps exposing others.
- Public locations visited by the patient before diagnosis may have put others at risk of contracting the highly contagious disease.
Measles Makes a Comeback in Utah
A utah County resident is the first to be diagnosed with measles in two years, raising concerns about potential exposure to the highly contagious disease.
Measles has resurfaced in Utah, with a Utah County resident, aged 20 to 40, confirmed as the first case in the state in two years. This recent case has health officials on alert. The individual,who hasn’t traveled recently,likely contracted the virus within Utah,posing a risk to others in the community.
“The individual is ‘doing well and isolating, including having little contact with others,'” according to Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist. However, before the diagnosis, there was a risk of exposure. The individual visited several public places before the measles was confirmed.
Exposure to measles can occur even days before symptoms, such as a runny nose, high fever, cough, and red eyes, become noticeable. The Department of Health and Human Services director, Tracy Gruber, along with Dr. Stacey Bank, the departmentS medical director, addressed the case and broader measles concerns during a Friday afternoon news conference.
Gruber noted that, considering the national surge in measles cases, Utah health officials had anticipated local cases might emerge.
What are the early signs of measles? Early measles symptoms often include a cough, runny nose, red eyes, and fever, making early detection crucial to prevent the spread of this contagious illness.
As of June 19, the Centers for disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported 1,214 confirmed measles cases nationwide across 36 jurisdictions. These include states like Alaska, arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, and Florida.
The CDC also reports 23 outbreaks this year, with nearly 90% of cases linked to these outbreaks. Last year, there where 285 measles cases, so the current numbers are substantially higher. Outbreaks in Texas (over 700 cases), New Mexico (100 cases), and Oklahoma (over 50 cases) are leading the surge. These figures reflect only confirmed measles cases, not probable ones.
Did you know?-Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, thanks to a highly effective vaccination program. However, it can still be brought into the country by unvaccinated travelers who contract it abroad.
About Measles
Measles symptoms typically appear a week or two after exposure. A high fever above 102.2°F is common. The initial symptoms-cough,runny nose,and red eyes-may not immediately suggest measles,and the rash usually appears after four days of fever.
Measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, including diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis, seizures, and even death. These complications are more frequent in unvaccinated children under 5, pregnant individuals who haven’t been vaccinated, and those with compromised immune systems.
While most people recover from measles, exceptions exist.One in 20 people who contract measles require hospitalization. Over the past year, three people in the United States have died from measles.
Reader question:-If you’re unsure about your vaccination status and can’t easily access your records, would you opt for revaccination or an antibody test to determine your immunity to measles?
Health officials are advising unvaccinated individuals who visited locations where the Utah county patient was present before becoming ill to consult their doctors. The individual visited Parkway Health Center in Orem on June 13 and Timpanogos Regional’s emergency room on June 14 between 2:14 p.m. and 7:02 p.m.
Advice to Be vaccinated
Dr. Nolen emphasized that vaccination is the best protection against measles. Two doses of the vaccine offer 97% protection, while a single dose provides 93% protection. Vaccinated individuals who contract measles tend to experience milder symptoms.
| Mary Conlon, Associated Press
Utah has a high vaccination rate, with approximately 90% of the population vaccinated. however,there has been a recent decrease in vaccination rates among young children in Utah. Dr. nolen notes that these numbers, while not extremely low, are concerning enough to worry about vulnerable children, especially in specific areas or schools with lower vaccination rates.
She conveyed that health officials are “certainly concerned but reassured that most are protected.” CDC data suggests that Utah’s early grade school vaccination rate is lower than Texas, where the outbreak has been important.
Those unsure of their measles vaccination status can check online in Utah or with their healthcare provider. An antibody test is also available. There is no harm in receiving another shot for those who are unsure.
Dr. Bank told that a titer test can gauge the level of protection for those who are immune compromised. Though, a new vaccination may not be the best plan if protection appears low. Such individuals should consult their doctor, as the shot contains a live virus.
Herd immunity is crucial. some individuals, including very young children, cannot be vaccinated. Though, herd immunity-where people are protected as those around them are vaccinated or immune-is also protective.
Dr. Nolen stated that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine has been used as the early 1970s, saving millions of lives and preventing significant suffering worldwide. During the news conference, she described it as “safe and effective,” highlighting decades of research that supports its benefits.
Individuals born before 1957 are considered immune as they likely had measles as children before a vaccine was available. utah health and human services officials urge those traveling out of state or the country to get vaccinated.
Many vaccination records are accessible online through https://immunize.utah.gov/usiis-parents-individuals/ or the Docket app.
After a measles diagnosis, what happens next?
Following the confirmation of a measles case in Utah, public health teams swiftly initiate contact tracing and exposure assessment efforts. According to the CDC, contact tracing is crucial to help prevent the spread of measles, involving the identification of individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person. this process can help locate people at risk and suggest post-exposure preventative measures. Individuals who may have been exposed in public settings like the Parkway Health Centre or Timpanogos Regional’s emergency room-as mentioned in the initial report-are contacted by the health department with specific guidance.
Contact tracing aims to identify anyone potentially exposed to the virus during the infectious period. Measles is contagious from about four days before a rash appears to four days after, so people who were in those locations during those times may be contacted. Local health departments then monitor exposed close contacts, watching for any symptoms. This also involves offering preventive measures like vaccination or immunoglobulin (antibodies) to those who might potentially be susceptible.
Understanding Post-Exposure Measures
If you’ve been exposed to measles and are unsure of your immunity, there are three main routes of action:
- Vaccination: If you haven’t been vaccinated or are unsure of your vaccination status, getting the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure can prevent the disease or lessen its severity.
- Immunoglobulin: Individuals who are not vaccinated, pregnant, or immunocompromised may receive immunoglobulin (IG) within six days of exposure. IG contains antibodies that can provide immediate protection against measles.
- Watchful Waiting: Those who are vaccinated or have a prior history of measles may simply monitor themselves for symptoms. If symptoms do develop, thay should proactively seek medical attention.
These preventative steps are critical, considering the high contagiousness of measles. Transmission often happens through respiratory droplets produced when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Therefore,the public health team emphasizes containment to prevent an outbreak. It is essential for those at risk to be isolated to minimize the chances of further transmission.
The Long-Term View of Measles Control
While immediate measures are vital to control any current infections, long-term prevention strategies stay central to the public strategy against measles. Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential. Health officials promote regular vaccination with the MMR since it has proven to be safe and highly effective.They also address the rising concerns of vaccine hesitancy actively. Public health campaigns provide accurate data and work on dispelling common myths in an attempt to encourage vaccination.
Vaccination is the safest way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the potentially serious complications of measles. this widespread effort helps to create herd immunity, securing that even those who cannot be vaccinated, such as infants, remain protected.
Measles FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about measles:
Q: how long am I contagious if I have measles?
A: You are contagious from about four days before the rash appears, up to four days after the rash appears.
Q: What happens if a pregnant woman gets measles?
A: Measles can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and even maternal and infant complications during pregnancy. Pregnant women should consult their doctors instantly if exposed.
Q: Where can I check my vaccination records in Utah?
A: You can check your vaccination records in Utah through the Utah Statewide Immunization Information System (USIIS) by visiting immunize.utah.gov/usiis-parents-individuals/, or the Docket app.
Q: What should I do if I think I have measles?
A: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you suspect you have measles; they can provide guidance and necessary care.
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