Salt Lake County Reports First Probable Measles Case During Outbreak

Health officials in Salt Lake County have identified a probable case of measles, marking the first suspected instance of the disease in the area during a nationwide outbreak. The Salt Lake County Health Department received notification of a potential case on March 4, 2024, but officials have not been able to confirm the diagnosis as the patient declined to participate in the investigation.

Dorothy Adams, executive director of the Salt Lake County Health Department, explained, “The patient has declined to be tested or to fully participate in our disease investigation, so we will not be able to technically confirm the illness or properly do contact tracing to warn anyone with whom the patient may have had contact.” Despite this, Adams noted that the symptoms reported by the healthcare provider and the limited conversation with the patient strongly suggest a case of measles.

Residents are encouraged to cooperate with health officials if contacted, as this is vital in preventing the further spread of the disease within the community. Individuals receiving phone calls from health workers can validate their legitimacy by requesting an email from an official .gov address or by calling the county health department at 385-468-4100.

Adams reassured the public that information gathered during illness interviews remains confidential and is solely used to investigate the source of the illness. “We collect the information only to investigate the source of illness and attempt to prevent further spread,” she stated.

Measles is known for its high contagion rate, potentially affecting up to 90% of unprotected individuals who are near an infected person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The best preventive measure is vaccination, with health officials recommending two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Although measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, the country has seen a resurgence this year, with cases reaching the highest levels since then. In Utah alone, there have been 59 confirmed cases reported in 2024, primarily concentrated in the southwestern region. The majority of these cases involve unvaccinated individuals, with only one vaccinated person testing positive. Additionally, seven individuals in Utah have been hospitalized due to measles complications.

Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 14 days after infection. They include fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. According to the Salt Lake County Health Department, patients may notice tiny white spots in their mouths two to three days after symptoms begin, followed by a rash within three to five days.

The department warns that about 1 in 5 unvaccinated individuals who contract measles will require hospitalization, with young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems being at the greatest risk. Anyone who suspects they may have been exposed to measles is advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately to discuss their situation.

The community’s proactive response and cooperation with health officials remain crucial in curbing the spread of this highly contagious disease.