Health officials confirm first measles case in Grand County

MOAB — Health officials on Saturday reported the first case of measles in Grand County.

The Southeast Utah Health Department confirmed an unvaccinated individual under the age of 18 was diagnosed after being exposed outside the county, according to a press release from the department. It said no

Public health officials are actively conducting contact tracing to notify those who may have been exposed to the individual. The health department said there were no exposures in Grand County schools.

Health officials are asking anyone who experiences the following symptoms of measles (which normally appear after 7-14 days), especially those who are unvaccinated or were exposed to a known case, to contact their health care provider:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • A rash that starts on the face and spreads downward

The best way to prevent the illness is receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is “safe and highly effective, providing lifelong protection for most individuals,” the release said.

Last month, two school-aged children in Washington County tested positive for measles, according to the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.

The children’s schools were notified of potential exposure and all unvaccinated children and adults who believe they had been exposed to the disease were encouraged to stay home for 21 days after exposure.


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