8legs: Utah department of health

#1 out of 1

Patients say measles 'worse than expected' as Utah hits 350+ infections, doctors say

Ksl.com and 2 more

Utah's measles outbreak has surpassed 350 cases since it began last June, with the vast majority concentrated in the southwestern region near the Arizona border.
Public health officials stress vaccination as the strongest defense, warning the outbreak is serious and that two MMR doses offer high protection against infection.
More than 120 people sought emergency care, with 31 hospitalized for at least one night and three needing intensive care at the peak of the outbreak.
Transmission has been bolstered by exposures at large school events, including a recent state wrestling tournament, spreading cases in Salt Lake City area.
Despite high vaccination rates around 90%, most measles cases occur in unvaccinated individuals, underscoring gaps in protection.
Some vaccinated individuals have contracted measles, highlighting that no vaccine is 100% protective, while vaccination remains the best defense.
Officials warn about severe measles complications in young children, reinforcing the push for early vaccination and boosters where appropriate.
Health officials plan to bring in CDC support to analyze data and better understand how the outbreak spreads in schools and communities.
In South Carolina, vaccination efforts in Spartanburg County rose about 70% in February as cases declined, illustrating vaccination impact in outbreak contexts elsewhere.
CDC data indicate most outbreaks involve unvaccinated children and teens, with young children bearing significant risk in outbreaks like Utah’s.

Vote 2