SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah’s measles outbreak has surpassed 100 confirmed cases and is likely to grow in the coming weeks as the virus spreads into new regions with low vaccination rates, state health officials said. As of November 25, Utah has recorded 102 cases, including 24 in the past three weeks, marking one of the largest outbreaks in the country this year.
Most infections remain concentrated in Washington County, which has tallied 74 cases. But a new cluster at Wasatch High School in Wasatch County — where vaccination rates are among the lowest in Utah — has alarmed health officials after eight students tested positive. Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said the spread into a new county is especially troubling, warning the outbreak will likely “expand in the immediate future.”
Measles’ extreme contagiousness, combined with delays in identifying early cases, has made containment difficult. Some families are isolating voluntarily, but officials say unreported cases are likely, particularly in communities with distrust of health systems.
Utah and Arizona currently have the most new measles cases nationally. The U.S. is on track to lose its measles elimination status for the first time in more than 20 years.
State officials are urging residents to review vaccination records, especially young children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. In Washington County, infants are now advised to receive an early “extra dose” due to high transmission.
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Sources:
• News From the States – MBFC Rating
• Utah Department of Health: epi.utah.gov – Unrated
• KSL.com – MBFC Rating
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