Public health officials report 1088 confirmed measles cases across 33 US jurisdictions

In a recent meeting of the Summit County Board of Health, officials addressed the ongoing public health situation regarding measles, revealing critical updates and insights into the current status of cases across the United States. As of last Thursday, the nation reported 1,088 confirmed cases of measles across 33 jurisdictions, with no confirmed cases in Utah at this time. However, health officials noted that a few individuals are undergoing testing, classified as low probability for the virus.

The meeting highlighted that 12 percent of the confirmed cases have resulted in hospitalization, with a concerning statistic showing that 22 percent of hospitalized cases involve children under five years old. Despite the alarming figures, local vaccination rates have remained steady, with 96 percent of the cases being unvaccinated or of unknown vaccination status. Only a small fraction of cases involved individuals who had received one or two doses of the MMR vaccine.

The discussion also touched on a recent scare involving a traveler from Canada who was later confirmed to have measles. This individual passed through Salt Lake City Airport and traveled to Southern Idaho without making any stops. Upon returning to Salt Lake City while symptomatic, the individual was placed on a "do not board" list, and health officials are currently assessing the situation. While contact tracing efforts are likely underway, specific details about passenger notifications remain unclear.

As the meeting concluded, officials emphasized the importance of continued vigilance and vaccination efforts to prevent further outbreaks. The situation remains dynamic, with health authorities closely monitoring developments and encouraging the community to stay informed and proactive in their health choices.