HEBER CITY, Utah (KUTV) — At least five high schoolers in Wasatch County were infected with measles after being exposed during school hours and at the school play in mid-November.

Health officials confirmed Saturday that five people had recently contracted measles in Wasatch County, all of whom are students at Wasatch High School.

Jonelle Fitzgerald, director of the Wasatch County Health Department, said that while the students attend the same school, they do not believe the cases are connected. Because of this, they believe there may be other cases that “pop up in the community,” with two additional patients currently awaiting test results.

“We did have a wastewater test indicate the presence of measles in the community on November 6th, and with cases existing in other parts of the state, we weren’t surprised to see cases here,” Fitzgerald said.

Health officials said they are taking “immediate action” to investigate the spread and work to limit further exposures.

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Lana North, WCHD public information officer, said it’s important to be aware of measles in the community, especially during this holiday season.

“With Thanksgiving and family gatherings around the corner, please be aware that measles is around,” North said. “Keep your friends and family healthy by staying home if you’re sick.”

Measles symptoms present within one to three weeks after exposure, and as most of the exposures were determined to be between Nov. 14 and 17, there is still time for others who were exposed to show symptoms.

Some symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a rash that begins on the face and spreads down.

If you notice symptoms, officials ask that you call doctors or clinics before arriving at a facility to prevent infecting others.

“We encourage all Wasatch County residents and families to get both doses of the MMR vaccine, as it is 97% effective in preventing illness,” said Brenda Scobee, WCHD immunizer coordinator.

Out of the five people confirmed to be infected and the two others awaiting test results, two were vaccinated against the virus.

These are the first confirmed cases of measles in Wasatch County this year.

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