PROVO, Utah (KUTV) — Six new cases of measles were confirmed in Utah County on Monday morning. Health officials said all six were found in patients under the age of 18.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, there have been 125 confirmed cases of measles as of Dec. 16. In Utah County, there have been a total of 10 confirmed cases reported. It is unclear if the six recently confirmed patients were vaccinated against measles or not.
Even while the number of cases in the Utah County area remains limited, health officials still urged residents to take precautions that can help reduce the spread, especially during the holiday season.
“Measles spreads much more easily than many people realize,” said Utah County Health Officer Eric Edwards. “Simple actions like staying home when you’re sick and calling ahead before seeking medical care help protect others, especially during a busy time of year.”
The Utah County Health Department said measles can spread easily through the air by an infected person through coughing and sneezes. It can remain airborne and on surfaces for up to two hours after the infected left the area.
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Symptoms often include a high fever, cough, runny nose or watery eyes and typically appear up to three weeks after exposure. Those who are unvaccinated against measles are at a much higher risk of infection, as vaccinations prevent more than 97% of infections. Those who are vaccinated but still become infected with measles often have less severe symptoms, according to health officials.
According to data provided by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, 115 of those cases were unvaccinated. Eight cases were found in vaccinated patients, and two were unclear. Only 14 cases required hospitalization.
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