Eastern Utah measles infections double within a week, health officials say
KSL.com • • general
Key Points:
- The TriCounty Health Department reported a doubling of measles cases in Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties, increasing from 23 to 56 confirmed infections within a week.
- Since last year, Utah has seen a total of 559 measles cases, with 142 new infections reported in the past three weeks, highlighting an accelerating outbreak.
- Health officials emphasize the importance of the MMR vaccine as the most effective protection against measles, noting that most cases occur among unvaccinated individuals, particularly children under 18.
- The TriCounty Health Department encourages informed decision-making regarding vaccination and acknowledges community efforts to protect vulnerable populations amid concerns about low vaccination rates in schools.
- The department’s board of health called for honest discussions about vaccines, warning that outbreaks may continue if vaccination rates remain low and stressing the public health benefits of immunization.
