(Ogden, UT) — Weber-Morgan Health officials received confirmation of two unrelated measles cases in Weber County residents. While these are the first known positive cases in Weber County, Utah has experienced more than 200 cases since the nationwide outbreak began last year.
“We know that measles is spreading in Utah, with over 50 residents getting sick with measles in the last three weeks. We have been preparing for this as we are just coming out of holiday celebrations among family and friends, and large community events that bring people together,” said Amy Carter, WMHD public health nurse. “This is a good reminder for everyone that the best way to prevent getting sick from measles is to be vaccinated. We also encourage everyone to be mindful of symptoms and to please stay home when feeling sick.”
Weber-Morgan staff is working quickly to notify the possible public exposure sites in an effort alert individuals who may have been exposed. As the virus continues to spread, all residents should watch closely for symptoms of illness and contact their physician or local health department if they have questions.
To read more about the spread of measles in Utah, including current public exposure sites, disease counts, and information about public health’s response to the measles outbreak, please visit https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/.
Symptoms of measles often include:
- fever
- cough and runny nose
- red, irritated eyes
- a rash that usually starts on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body.
A person with measles can spread the virus to others starting 4 days before the rash appears through 4 days after.
“The measles virus can be contagious before a person even knows they are sick,” Carter said. “It can cause severe complications, especially for children, pregnant women, the elderly and certain people with chronic medical conditions or compromised immune systems.”
If you or a family member is experiencing symptoms of measles, please stay home from work, school or public places to prevent exposing others. Also, please call ahead before you visit a healthcare facility so they can prepare for your arrival and take the steps needed to prevent exposing staff and other patients.
Two doses of the MMR vaccine give you 97% protection against measles virus. The best protection against measles is to have two doses of MMR vaccine. If you are unsure of your MMR vaccine status, you can check for your records through www.docket.care, or call your doctor’s office or local health department and speak with a nurse. There is testing (called an MMR titer) that can be ordered by a healthcare provider to determine immunity to measles from past vaccination or illness. If you can’t find vaccine records, or your vaccine status is unknown, it is safe to get additional doses of the MMR vaccine to ensure protection with two documented doses.
For more information, please call your physician or the Weber-Morgan Health Department and ask to speak to a nurse, 801-399-7250.
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