On Friday, Sept. 19, Southern Utah University sent an email to the campus community, stating there have been multiple confirmed cases of measles in Cedar City this month. This information was reported by the Southwest Utah Public Health Department.
The announcement said that these cases have, “possible connections to SUU,” but did not specify how close to campus they are. The university wants its students, faculty and staff to be aware of the situation and know how to identify measles symptoms.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, symptoms include cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes and a rash. These will appear anywhere from one to three weeks after contracting the virus.
Measles is a highly contagious airborne disease, commonly spread through coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious health complications among immune compromised people and children under five years old.
SWUPHD published a press release in response to the positive cases.
“Since we are only aware of cases from positive lab tests, it is likely that there are more infections and exposures in our community that we don’t know about,” said Dr. David Blodgett, SWUPHD director and health officer. “If you are unvaccinated then you are at risk of getting the disease if you are exposed, which can happen up to two hours after an infected person has left an indoor space that you enter.”
Students who have reason to believe they have contracted measles should see a health professional immediately. SUU’s student health clinic can provide guidance to those concerned, but contact SWUPHD or Intermountain Health Cedar City Hospital for testing and treatment.
Author: Heather Turner
Editor: Fanny Felixine
Photos courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
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