Measles is ‘actively spreading’ in Salt Lake County as Highland High reports exposure
Utah is experiencing a resurgence of measles, with recent exposures reported in both Salt Lake and Tooele counties. Students at Highland High School in Salt Lake City may have been exposed to the virus for over a week, after an infectious student continued to attend classes.
Rising Cases and Recent Exposures
The Salt Lake County Health Department confirmed the student attended school while infectious from February 6th, and continuously from February 9th through February 13th. This exposure follows a similar incident at Stansbury High School in Tooele County, where a student was infectious on February 9th and 10th after exposure at a school event in another county.
As of Tuesday, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reported a total of 300 confirmed measles cases in the current outbreak, with 58 cases reported in the last three weeks. The health department is actively notifying individuals who may have been in contact with infected individuals.
Risk and Symptoms
The Salt Lake County Health Department advises that unvaccinated individuals face a significant risk of infection – a 90% chance if they had contact with the infectious student, were in the same space, or entered a space the student occupied within two hours. Those exposed should monitor for symptoms for 21 days and contact their healthcare provider before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward. One in every 12 cases in Utah has resulted in hospitalization.
The health department notes that individuals born before 1957, those with a previous confirmed measles infection, or those who have received two doses of the MMR vaccine are generally considered immune. Of the 300 cases reported, 255 were among unvaccinated individuals, while 23 had been vaccinated.
What Could Happen Next
If vaccination rates do not increase, the outbreak could continue to expand, potentially leading to more widespread community transmission. Public health officials may consider additional measures to control the spread, such as targeted vaccination campaigns or recommendations regarding public gatherings. It is also possible that more schools and public spaces could experience exposures, requiring further notifications and monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed?
People who were exposed should watch for symptoms for 21 days after exposure, and call their health care provider for instructions before going into an office to avoid exposing others there.
Who is considered immune to measles?
People who were born before 1957, had a previous confirmed measles infection or have had two doses of the MMR vaccine are considered immune.
How effective is the MMR vaccine?
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services recommends that everyone be vaccinated against measles, typically requiring two doses of the MMR vaccine. For those who are vaccinated, 97% are well protected; however, about 3% of those exposed will still get sick, though they are less likely to have severe illness or spread measles to others than those who are not vaccinated.
Given the current outbreak and the potential for further spread, what steps can individuals take to protect themselves and their communities?