Utah authorities have confirmed five total cases of measles in the state. According to state epidemiologist Leisha Nolen, two of the five patients have required hospitalization.
All identified patients in Utah are unvaccinated. Among the five confirmed cases are two pregnant women and one minor. Nolen stated that pregnant women who contract measles face a higher probability of serious infections, hospitalization, premature birth, or infant loss.
Health authorities noted that while official data indicates 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated, they are encouraging anyone without immunization to get vaccinated. Officials believe more cases may be detected because two recent patients were individuals who had been exposed to the virus, and Nolen suggested there may be several undetected cases in the state.
Symptoms such as high fever, cough, nasal discharge, and red eyes can appear between 7 and 14 days after virus exposure, while white spots inside the mouth may appear two to three days later. Health officials advise anyone who has been exposed to measles to contact their doctor immediately.
