SALT LAKE CITY — There are now nine Utahns who have measles, after the Utah Department of Health and Human Services on Tuesday added two newly reported infections.
The department updates the number of cases in the state each weekday. Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said last week that she anticipates more cases in Utah that are yet to be diagnosed.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported 1,227 measles cases this year, 95% of which were in unvaccinated people or people whose vaccination status is unknown.
Nolen said with 90% of Utahns protected by a vaccine, there is “not a need for significant concern” around measles in Utah. Those who have been vaccinated, she said, will experience a milder infection, recover faster and not transmit the disease to others around them. She encouraged Utahns who are not vaccinated to discuss that decision with their doctors.
Across the U.S., 12% of cases have required hospitalization, whereas in Utah, at least two of the nine cases have required hospitalization.
Of the United States cases, over 700 were located in Texas and 89% of cases are connected to 23 separate outbreaks, according to the CDC’s update last week.
The CDC reports that new cases have been decreasing; however, its latest updates from June don’t reflect the recent cases in Utah. It updates its page with new cases each Wednesday.
Early stages of measles symptoms — high fever, cough, runny nose or red eyes — usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure. A rash on the hairline typically appears after four days of fever.
Anyone who has been exposed to measles or is showing symptoms should call a health care provider first before visiting a clinic to prevent spreading the disease to others, Utah’s health department said.