MIDWAY, Utah — More than 2,000 people may have been exposed to the measles virus at a recent high school athletic event in Midway, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
The Utah High School Cycling League event, which was held at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center on Aug. 16, had approximately 2,000 people in attendance. The DHHS said several people were infected.
League officials told FOX 13 News that this was a Region 6 event, comprised of teams from Utah County and southern Utah. They believe the cases were largely confined to one team from southern Utah, with fewer than 10 infected.
The Wasatch County Health Department said Tuesday that no local residents participated in the event that day, and they have not detected any measles cases in their county. They added that the incubation period for this particular event ended on Sept. 6.
The Wasatch County School District also said they had no connection to the event.
Utah High School Cycling League director Chris Best said their subsequent events still went on as normal. The next Region 6 race happened in Cedar City on Aug. 30, and they will go again this Saturday in Manti.
But league officials have asked anyone who has measles symptoms or is unvaccinated to withdraw from their races. They're sharing guidance from the DHHS with the participants and their families. They also noted that Region 6 includes areas where some communities choose not to vaccinate.
DHHS epidemiologist Leisha Nolen says the highly contagious virus can spread easily, even outdoors.
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This exposure warning comes on the same day that officials upped Utah's measles count to 22 cases. Fourteen of the cases are in southwest Utah, while Utah County has 7 cases, and southeast Utah has one confirmed case.
As of Tuesday, only one case of measles in Utah is in someone who was vaccinated.
“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily, even at outdoor events,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, state of Utah epidemiologist. Due to the risk of exposure at the event, experts are encouraging attendees to check their MMR vaccination status.
Those who have received 2 doses of the MMR vaccine are considered well-protected from the virus. The MMR vaccine has been in use since 1968. However, those vaccinated against measles between 1963 and 1967 got a less effective vaccine and should consider getting revaccinated.
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Measles symptoms usually begin 1–2 weeks after exposure. Symptoms include a mild to moderate fever with a cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the fever spikes, typically 101°F (38.3°C) or higher, and is followed by a blotchy rash that could appear red or darker than their typical skin tone.
If you develop symptoms, you should stay away from other people and call your healthcare provider. Call first before you go to a clinic or hospital to prevent other people from exposure.
If you would like to keep track of the current measles cases in Utah, you can do so here.
