Health officials flag two Salt Lake County locations for measles exposure as cases rise

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Salt Lake County health officials have flagged two new locations for possible measles exposure within the last week, warning residents to watch for symptoms.

The new locations include the Loveland Living Planet Aquarium on Tuesday, March 10, and Wednesday, March 11, and the Intermountain Health Salt Lake Clinic on Thursday, March 12.

This announcement comes after state health officials reported that Utah has surpassed 400 confirmed cases of measles since the outbreak began last June. In total, 98 Utahns have become infected with measles within the past three weeks, with the southwest region seeing most of the cases.

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"We are seeing the spread of this disease through our entire state now. For a while, it was really limited to the southern part of the state, but it is now expanding, and we are having people diagnosed in every part of our state," said Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolen during a press conference earlier this month.

Measles is a highly contagious virus and can spread easily through the air. The virus can cause severe illness, including a fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash. Symptoms can typically develop within two weeks of infection.

Of the over 400 cases, 338 did not have the measles vaccine. Health officials heavily advised those who may not be vaccinated to get one as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection.

"The measles vaccine is the best thing to protect your child. It is how we can stop this infection," said Nolen. "So, we encourage people, if they or their child are not vaccinated, to have their child vaccinated against measles. It is at this time, a real threat in our state and something we can do to stop it."

If you do develop symptoms, health officials ask you to stay home and contact your health care provider before visiting a clinic.

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