SALT LAKE CITY — Two more measles cases were reported in Utah on Friday, bringing the total number of cases in the state to seven, all confirmed within the last week.
The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said the new cases reported Friday were both unvaccinated individuals, with one being linked to someone who had previously been diagnosed.
Earlier this week, two of the five people diagnosed were hospitalized due to complications. Though the hospitalizations were temporary and both are now released from the hospital.
Utah health officials give full briefing after cases rise to 5 in state:
Utah health officials said two of the current cases are in unvaccinated women who are pregnant. Measles during pregnancy is very risky, with the pregnancies being at a higher risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or giving birth to a child who will experience serious medical problems. Pregnant women are also more likely to be hospitalized because of the measles.
Dr. Andrew Pavia, with the University of Utah Division of Pediatrics, said they generally don’t vaccinate babies between 6-12 months because it doesn’t last as long, but you can give your baby a dose between that time period if they’re going to be at higher risk. That includes if you’re traveling to a place where there is a measles outbreak, or if you’re traveling internationally.
“Babies under six months, there’s really no protection, other than the mother’s own antibodies, so if you are up to date on your vaccines when you get pregnant, your baby has some protection for the first three to six months of life,” Dr. Pavia said.
The Utah State Health Department recommends that if you are planning to become pregnant that you get vaccinated before you get pregnant to protect yourself and the baby.
The cases come during the ongoing measles outbreak, in which there are now over 1,200 reported cases across the country.
WATCH: Why just 3 measles cases were enough to worry Utah health officials:
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, over 90 percent of state residents have been vaccinated against measles, meaning they are "highly protected" against the disease, officials said.
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Symptoms include high fever (102.20° or higher), cough, runny nose, or red eyes, with a rash usually appearing after four days of fever.
You can track cases on Utah's Health & Human Services website HERE.
