Utah hit with largest measles outbreak in over 30 years

SALT LAKE CITY (KUTV) — Utah has been hit with the largest measles outbreak in more than 30 years.

The Utah State Epidemiologist stated that it’s the most contagious disease scientists know of.

As of this month, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reported 115 confirmed cases.

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“It’s a little surprising to see an uptick in measles, but it’s not surprising to hear that Utah County is one of the places where we have seen more of those cases,” said Elsie, a Utah County resident with several children in local schools. “I think because there’s kind of been a movement towards anti-vaccination.”

Samantha Marberger, who also lives in Utah County and has a young child, said measles wasn’t something she thought was here.

“I’ve heard of big outbreaks like that in Texas and a few other places, but it wasn’t something that I thought was as local,” she said.

Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolen called the outbreak “extreme” and “really concerning.”

“Why does the health department believe this is happening now? Is this like a delayed reaction of previous low vaccination rates?” 2News asked her.

“Yeah, I think unfortunately our vaccine rates have gone down over time, and we do now have a number of people who are vulnerable to this infection, and they haven’t been protected,” Nolen said. “There also has been cases in neighboring states, and so it was easy to introduce here in Utah.”

The DHHS stated that roughly 90% of the population is vaccinated, but those rates vary from area to area and aren’t enough to reach herd immunity for measles.

“Measles is highly contagious. It’s the most contagious infection we know of,” Nolen said. “The data historically says that if you have 20 people in a room and somebody with measles comes in, 18 of those people are going to get measles.”

She said that since the outbreak started, the health department has given 30% more vaccines than they did last year at this time. She said most infections can be traced back to southwestern Utah and appear to be from in-state travel.

“It’s likely in Utah, many hundreds of Utahns who are vaccinated have been exposed to this virus, and they did not know it, and their bodies fought it off as it should,” Nolen said.

The second largest outbreak in Utah is in Utah County, with 10 confirmed cases.

The state is asking people to cooperate with the health department’s contact tracers if they call.

If you suspect measles in yourself or a loved one, they urge you not to go to a clinic waiting room but call ahead for the next steps to stop the spread.

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