SALT LAKE CITY — Wasatch County health officials warned parents on Thursday that they identified positive measles cases at Timpanogos Middle School and Old Mill Elementary School, and exposures may have happened there earlier this month.
Specific schools and exposure dates
County health officer Jonelle Fitzgerald said measles exposures may have occurred at Timpanogos Middle School on May 14 and 15, and at Old Mill Elementary School on May 15.
“Measles is highly contagious, spreads easily, and can remain in the air for up to two hours,” Fitzgerald said. “Approximately nine out of 10 people who are not immune will become infected when exposed.”
Contagion risks and transmission details
Fitzgerald said the the MMR vaccine is the best way to stay protected from measles. She said any student at Timpanogos Middle School who doesn't have the vaccine should stay home for 21 days from the exposure date. As for Old Mill Elementary School, Fitzgerald said unvaccinated students in 3rd grade should stay home for 21 days.
“Based on these exposure dates, this means not attending school for the remainder of this school year,” Fitzgerald said.
Fitzgerald said symptoms of measles usually begin within one to three weeks.
Measles symptom onset timeline
This story may be updated.