Following the confirmation of a measles case that arrived in the state last month, health officials announced on Wednesday that they are “closely watching” a possible new measles situation in the southwestern region of Utah.
On Monday, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reported that an unvaccinated individual from another state, who was contagious with measles, traveled to southwestern Utah to see family on May 26 and 27.
“While in southwestern Utah, this person was out in the community and may have exposed others. In addition, we know they visited with unvaccinated individuals,” the department said in a statement.
The health department has indicated that the overall risk to the public remains low; however, it aims to raise awareness about the “increased risk of measles in this region and the increasing number of cases in surrounding states.”
The department currently has few specifics regarding those who were exposed, but is actively working to deliver information and ensure protection for those they can identify.
A recent measles case has emerged shortly after another case was reported in the state last month.
The situation was revealed on Monday at a meeting of the Summit County Board of Health. The state health department has verified that the person received their vaccination, greatly lowering the chances of spreading the virus.
“This individual had previously been vaccinated and posed a low risk of infection to others,” the department said in a statement Tuesday.
On May 19, a traveler from abroad arrived in Salt Lake City after a flight from Canada and proceeded to rent a car for a drive to southern Idaho. Health officials in Utah highlighted that the individual did not stop anywhere in the state prior to their departure.
While in Idaho, the person showed symptoms and was confirmed to have measles, with all exposure risks identified in the state, as reported by the department. Several days later, the person made their way back to Utah.
“On May 23, that same individual came back to Salt Lake, again didn’t make any stops but did get on board an airplane while symptomatic,” said Derek Moss, Summit County nursing director.
The agency clarified that the person was authorized to travel by public health, having completed their infectious period prior to departure.
Health officials in Salt Lake County reached out to passengers from the flight, offering resources to help prevent infection. They also confirmed that, as of now, there have been no further reports of measles infections among those who were exposed. Authorities are actively keeping an eye on individuals who might have come into contact.
