SALT LAKE CITY

Health authorities have identified several new exposure sites in northern and southern Utah where people might have come into contact with measles, with all incidents occurring in the last couple of weeks.

The Salt Lake County Health Department shared this information on Friday, following reports from state officials that Utah has recorded 405 cases of measles since the outbreak began in June.

In just the past three weeks, 98 residents of Utah have contracted measles, as reported by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.

Some of the places where exposure has been noted include a gymnastics meet, a grocery store, and the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium.

The Salt Lake County Health Department has issued a measles exposure alert, highlighting concerns at these locations:

• Feb. 28, Zion’s Invitational Gymnastics Meet in Hurricane, Washington County, all day.
• March 2, Wasatch Pediatrics in Cottonwood Heights, 10:21 a.m.–1:03 p.m.
• March 2, Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper, 12 p.m.—4 p.m.
• March 2, Chevron gas station, 8655 Highland Drive in Sandy, 3:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m.
• March 2, Ream’s food store, 8725 Highland Drive in Sandy, 4 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
• March 3, Los Garcia Mexican Restaurant in Sandy, 1:30 p.m.—4:30 p.m.

Measles is incredibly contagious and can spread through the air, leading to serious health issues for those infected.

Officials are advising the public to be alert for symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. If anyone starts to feel unwell, they should stay at home and contact their healthcare provider before heading to a clinic, according to health officials.

This year, the CDC reports over 1,300 confirmed measles cases across the U.S. While Utah is notably affected, South Carolina has seen the highest number of cases with 664 reported as of March 13.

Health officials are strongly encouraging those who are unvaccinated to get two doses of the MMR vaccine, which they say offers the best protection against measles.