Health
Measles Outbreak Expands North, Forcing Utah Communities to Act Fast
Health Points
- MMR vaccine two doses give 97% lifelong protection.
- Rising vaccination rates slow outbreaks effectively.
- Check status to shield family from severe illness.
Recent measles outbreaks in Utah and South Carolina underscore the virus’s severity for unvaccinated people.
Utah reports 358 cases since last summer, with over 120 emergency visits, 31 hospitalizations, and three ICU admissions.
Health workers note patients often regret skipping shots once symptoms hit hard.
“It is not a mild infection. It is not a mild virus. It is severe illness,” said Utah epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen.
“Measles is so much worse than what they expected,” she shared from patient accounts.
Nurse practitioner Amanda Jocelyn treated over a dozen cases, seeing caregivers fall ill too, including rare complications like anemia crises and liver inflammation.
Nationally, over 1,200 cases occurred since January, mostly among unvaccinated kids and teens.
Encouragingly, South Carolina’s 991-case outbreak slowed after vaccinations rose 70% in affected areas.
“The reason for that recommendation is because of serious complications that can occur in young children, for example, pneumonia,” said state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell.
Symptoms begin flu-like with high fevers up to 105 degrees, cough, and runny nose, followed by rash; most contagious beforehand.
Prioritize your health by confirming vaccination status with your provider, protecting yourself and grandchildren alike.
