Utah is now up to five confirmed measles cases, including the first found in a child. State health officials officials urge people who have been exposed to call before going to a clinic or hospital.
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A fourth and fifth Utahn have been infected with measles, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
One of the newly infected individuals is a child, the announcement noted. Of the two new patients, one lives in Utah County and the other lives in the southwest area of the state.
None of the five people with confirmed infections so far has been vaccinated, according to the department.
Two of the patients so far have been pregnant.
“Women who become infected with measles during their pregnancy are at high risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or giving birth to a child who will experience serious medical problems,” the department said Thursday. “A pregnant woman is also much more likely to be hospitalized because of severe measles.”
The department recommended that people planning to become pregnant get vaccinated in order to protect themselves and their baby.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective against measles if a person receives two doses, the state agency said.
So far, two of the people diagnosed with measles have been hospitalized because of complications. Both have since been released.
Measles symptoms
Measles symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after someone is exposed to the virus, according to DHHS.
They can include a fever over 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, a cough, a runny nose and red eyes. After four feverish days, people generally develop a rash.
State health officials urge people who have been exposed and people who develop symptoms to stay away from others and call health care providers before visiting a clinic or hospital. The precautions can help the virus from spreading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were 1,227 confirmed measles cases in 37 states as of Tuesday.
The first confirmed measles case to have originated in Utah was announced June 20. The second and third known cases were announced Tuesday.
State health officials planned to host a news conference midday Thursday, making the state epidemiologist available for questions.
— This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: Utah News