SALT LAKE CITY - Utah health officials issued a warning on Monday regarding the looming possibility of a measles outbreak in the state. The concern arises as 17 other states across the country have already reported cases of the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus.

According to health officials, measles is incredibly contagious, infecting approximately 90% of individuals who come into contact with an infected person, provided they have neither been immunized nor previously contracted the disease. Presently, there have been a total of 97 reported cases throughout the United States, including some in Arizona, California, and numerous states along the East Coast and in the Midwest. In 2023 alone, the country saw 58 measles cases.

Emphasizing the effectiveness of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the Utah Association of Local Health Departments, asserted that the two-dose MMR vaccine boasts a remarkable 97% efficacy rate. State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen added that the benefits of the vaccine far outweigh any potential risks.

Nolen explained that mild symptoms, such as a slight fever in babies or a sore arm in adults, may occur after receiving the vaccine, but more serious reactions are rare and can be successfully treated. "The MMR vaccine has been utilized globally since the early 1970s, saving millions of lives and preventing significant suffering," Nolen stated.

In light of the situation, Utah's health officials are urging all residents to verify their immunization status, particularly those planning to travel out of state. Measles typically manifests as a rash and fever, accompanied by other symptoms like coughing, sore throat, white spots in the mouth, and red or watery eyes. In severe cases, the disease can lead to seizures, diarrhea, pneumonia, or even a brain infection. It poses a significant threat to children under the age of 5, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.

Health officials highlighted that symptoms usually appear between 10 and 14 days after exposure to measles, with a rash usually emerging shortly after. Notably, a person can spread the virus up to four days before the rash develops and until four days after it disappears.

Anyone suspecting they may have contracted measles is advised to call a healthcare provider for instructions before scheduling an appointment, as stated by health officials. Swift action is crucial in limiting the spread of the disease and protecting vulnerable populations.

As Utah braces for a potential measles outbreak, vigilance in maintaining proper immunization practices and adhering to healthcare guidelines becomes paramount in safeguarding public health.