The measles outbreak in southern Utah is dissipating, but health officials are encouraging parents to stay up to date on vaccinations as the school year resumes.
Only two cases of measles were reported statewide between July 26 and Aug. 1. No cases have been reported since. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department as well as the Utah Department of Health and Human Services websites update regularly with outbreaks.
“We are keeping an eye on things with school back in session, and a lot of our district. If there are any other kids that still are not vaccinated, and there are a couple of cases floating around, we may see a bump again.” said David Heaton, the public information officer for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department. “Hopefully, that won’t happen, but it’s not just measles; it’s diseases like mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough or pertussis, which we saw higher than average numbers this past year outside of measles.”
Southern Utah had a reported 267 cases last year out of 715 reported statewide cases. Heaton said the state may see a rise in cases with school starting.
Heaton said parents should keep up to date on their child’s vaccines regardless if their child has been previously vaccinated. He also said to keep children who are showing signs of sickness at home.
Heaton encouraged parents to teach their kids about proper hygiene to prevent the spread including regular handwashing and coughing or sneezing into their elbows.
Author: Andrew Streeter
Photo courtesy of Mary Conlon, AP News
Editor: Hannah Clove
news@suunews.net
