State officials encourage individuals who may have been exposed to contact health providers before visiting clinics or hospitals.
A fourth and fifth case of measles has been reported in Utah, as stated by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Among the newly infected, one is a child. One individual resides in Utah County, while the other is from the southwestern region of the state.
Importantly, all five confirmed cases to date involve individuals who have not been vaccinated, according to the department.
Notably, two of the patients are pregnant.
The department highlighted the risks for women infected with measles during pregnancy, which can include miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious health issues for the newborn. Additionally, pregnant individuals are at a higher risk of hospitalization due to severe measles.
State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen mentioned that the department anticipated these two new cases, given their previous knowledge of the exposure.
She expressed concern as two of the infected individuals required hospitalization.
“We do expect to see more cases,” she noted, based on current exposure information and suspected unreported infections.
While around 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated, Nolen acknowledged that vaccinated individuals can, albeit rarely, still contract measles, though the illness is usually milder.
For those unvaccinated, she emphasized the importance of considering the potential risks and discussing them with healthcare providers.
She also pointed out that certain areas in southern Utah have a particularly high proportion of unvaccinated individuals compared to other parts of the state.
On Thursday, the department advised that individuals planning to become pregnant should get vaccinated to protect both themselves and their future children.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is reported to be 97% effective against measles when two doses are received, according to state officials.
As of Thursday, two confirmed cases were hospitalized due to complications from the virus but have since been discharged.
Measles Symptoms
Symptoms typically manifest one to two weeks following exposure, as per the Department of Health and Human Services. These symptoms may include a fever exceeding 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. Generally, after four days of fever, a rash appears.
Nolen described how the rash usually begins at the hairline and spreads across the face and then the body.
Health officials are advising anyone exposed to measles or who begins to show symptoms to refrain from contact with others and to contact healthcare providers prior to visiting clinics or hospitals to help control the spread of the virus.
Nolen emphasized that the state department has collaborated with healthcare providers over recent months to prepare for possible measles infections in Utah. This preparation included advising clinics to display symptoms of measles and create alternative entrances so that potentially infected individuals do not expose others in waiting areas.
She noted that infants, who cannot yet be vaccinated, are particularly vulnerable to the virus.
“Our goal is to protect them,” she stated, adding that encouraging vaccination for those able to is crucial.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as of Tuesday, there have been 1,227 confirmed measles cases across 37 states.
The initial confirmed measles case originating in Utah was reported on June 20, followed by the second and third cases that were announced on Tuesday.
