Possible Measles Case Reported in Salt Lake County, investigation Underway
Salt Lake County health officials are investigating a likely case of measles, marking the frist potential instance in the county this year. The case involves a patient who has so far declined testing to confirm the diagnosis, according to Dorothy Adams, executive director of the health department. “But based on the specific symptoms reported by the healthcare provider and the limited conversation our investigators have had with the patient, this is very likely a case of measles in someone living in Salt Lake County,” Adams said.
The Salt lake County Health Department (slcohd) is urging residents to cooperate with public health workers should they be contacted.They emphasize the importance of providing requested details to aid in the investigation and prevent further spread of the highly contagious virus. All information shared during these conversations is used solely for tracking the source of infection and will not be shared with other government agencies. Residents unsure of a contact’s legitimacy can request an email from an official “.gov” address or call the department at 385-468-4100 to verify the worker’s identity.
According to the health department, measles is exceptionally contagious, with a 90% infection rate among those not immune when exposed. An infected individual can spread the virus even before symptoms appear,and the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours after the person leaves the area.
SLCoHD stresses that vaccination remains the moast effective defence against measles. Recommendations include:
* Children should receive two doses of measles vaccine: one dose at 12 to 15 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years.
* Adults born before 1957 generally do not need vaccination due to likely prior immunity.
* Adults vaccinated before 1968 should receive a second dose,as the earlier vaccine was less effective.
* Adults vaccinated in 1968 or later are considered fully protected with one or two doses, though higher-risk groups (college students, healthcare workers, international travelers) should have two doses.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, tiny white spots inside the mouth, and a rash typically beginning as flat, red spots at the hairline or on the face, then spreading downward. The department warns that approximately one in five unvaccinated individuals with measles require hospitalization, and young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
As of this report, there have been 59 confirmed cases of measles in Utah this year, primarily concentrated in Washington County. this represents a meaningful increase compared to the single case detected in 2023 and the five previous years.
