ST. GEORGE — Two school-aged children in Washington County have tested positive for measles, according to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.
The children’s schools have been notified of potential exposure — school started on Aug. 11 in Washington County — as have parents of students who attend the schools, a statement from the health department says. All unvaccinated children and adults who believe they have been exposed to the disease are also encouraged to stay home for 21 days after exposure.
Parents of immunocompromised children are advised to consider keeping those youngsters home for 21 days.
Southwest Utah health officials said measles symptoms typically start seven to 14 days after exposure, which was on Aug. 21 in this case.
Symptoms include “a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face before spreading to the rest of the body. While most people recover at home, some people — especially children — can experience complications of breathing problems, pneumonia, brain swelling, seizures, hospitalization, and even death,” reads the statement.
Parents, school employees, children and anyone else exposed to measles are encouraged to call their health care provider before going to be evaluated at a medical facility.
“Residents should make sure that they and their children are caught up on vaccinations as soon as possible,” the health department said..
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