The Bear River Health Department confirmed its first case of measles in an unvaccinated individual in northern Utah's Cache County on Friday, just days after health officials detected the virus in wastewater samples near the Idaho-Utah border.
Public health officials are conducting contact tracing to notify individuals who may have been exposed and to prevent further spread of the virus. Due to medical privacy laws, the Bear River Health Department will not release further information about the confirmed case.
The health department identified two locations where public exposure to this measles case may have occurred:
Intermountain Budge Clinic, 1350 North 500 East in Logan, Utah, on Sept. 15, between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Chick-fil-A, 40 South Highway 165 in Providence, Utah, on Sept. 11, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Last week, Utah health officials detected measles in wastewater samples from the Bear River Health District, covering northern Utah's Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services launched a new statewide dashboard tracking measles in wastewater after recent samples showed measles activity in the region.
"The detection of a virus in wastewater is similar to a tornado warning in the Midwest -- alerting the community of a potential risk," said Jordan Mathis, Bear River Health District health officer. "Knowing in advance that measles is in the community gives individuals the opportunity to take appropriate precautions for themselves and their families."
Wastewater testing can detect viruses spreading within a community earlier than clinical testing because people with infections can expel pieces of the virus into wastewater, even if they don't have symptoms. This monitoring can identify outbreaks before people who are sick go to their doctor or the hospital.
While measles is a highly contagious disease, outbreaks remain rare because of a highly effective vaccine. The Bear River Health Department wants to reassure the community that immediate action is being taken to contain the situation.
Measles symptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and include:
* High fever
* Cough
* Runny nose
* Red, watery eyes
* A rash that starts on the face and spreads downward
Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially if unvaccinated or exposed to a known case, should contact a health care provider immediately. To prevent further spread, call a health care provider before visiting a clinic, emergency room or urgent care facility.
The Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine remains the most effective prevention method, offering lifelong protection for most individuals. The vaccine is available at local pharmacies, health care offices and the Bear River Health Department.
About 92% of kindergarten-age children in the Bear River Health District are considered fully vaccinated or are actively getting up to date on recommended childhood vaccines, according to the health department.
Residents can check their immunization records through the secure Docket app or consult their health care provider. More information is available at brhdut.gov or by calling 435-792-6525.