Tooele County confirms first case of measles in high school student

TOOELE — Tooele County health officials confirmed the county’s first case of measles on Monday night.

The person was a Stansbury High School student who was exposed to the virus at a multidistrict school event outside of Tooele County, according to a release from the Tooele County Health Department.

The student was confirmed to have been at school while infectious and before symptoms began on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10. A letter was sent to parents containing notification of the exposure and guidance, and parents whose students were possibly exposed were also notified, the release said.

Health officials are urging the community to verify their measles vaccination status and monitor for any symptoms, which include a fever with a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and eventually a blotchy rash, the release said.

Officials add people who think they have symptoms or have been exposed should stay home and contact their health care provider before seeking care, the release said.

As of Monday, the statewide case count of measles stands at 272, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ measles dashboard, which can be found here. Only the TriCounty area, which includes Duchesne, Carbon, Daggett, and Uintah counties, have yet to report a case.