Health officials are reporting that measles is spreading in Utah and surrounding areas, with confirmed cases and exposure sites identified in Salt Lake County. Most confirmed cases recently are among people who were not vaccinated against measles.
Measles is a very contagious virus that causes a full-body rash and high fever. Complications can include diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, seizures, infections of the brain and nervous system, hospitalization, and even death.
Please make sure your child is up to date on all immunizations. The MMR vaccine is especially important as measles cases increase in Utah. Students must have a complete immunization record or a vaccine exemption.
To the best of our knowledge, we have not had a measles exposure at SLArts. However, because measles is so contagious and given Utah's relatively lower rates of vaccination, we want to be prepared with information just in case.
Measles Exposure Protocol
Students, faculty, or staff without the MMR vaccine or lab-confirmed immunity may be asked to stay home for up to 21 days or longer if there is a measles exposure at school — 21 days is the standard incubation period for the virus.
If you aren’t sure of your family's vaccination status or can’t find your records, contact your healthcare provider, check the Docket web or mobile app, or contact the Salt Lake County Health Department at (385) 468-4100. If anyone in your family develops measles-like symptoms, contact a healthcare provider or the Salt Lake County Health Department right away for guidance. Please do not send your child to school if they have a rash and fever or if they are unvaccinated and have recently been exposed to measles.
Contact SLArts with any questions at 801-531-1173. For more information about measles, visit:
https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/