TriCounty Health Department Confirms Measles Cases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

March 2, 2026

For more information contact: 

Sydnee Lyons - Public Information Officer 

Phone: 435-247-1177

slyons@tricountyhealthut.gov


TriCounty Health Department Confirms Measles Cases

TriCounty Health Department (TriCHD) has multiple cases of measles in the area. 

Measles is a virus that spreads through the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after a person is exposed, but can appear up to 21 days later. Early symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes

A rash usually appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. The rash often starts on the face and then spreads to the chest and arms. A person with measles can spread the virus to others four days before the rash appears and four days after it starts.

Anyone can get measles. However, the people most at risk are:

  • People who are not vaccinated
  • Pregnant women
  • Babies younger than 6 months
  • People with weak immune systems

The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine gives long-lasting protection. Check your vaccination records to make sure you and your family are up to date. 

There is no specific cure for measles. Doctors can help treat symptoms and treat other infections that may happen. If you were exposed to measles and are not immune, you may be able to get the MMR vaccine within 72 hours to lower your risk. If you cannot show proof of immunity, you may need to stay home from school, childcare, or work to prevent spreading the virus. Even if you still get measles after vaccination, symptoms are often milder and last a shorter time.

TriCHD is working with local health care providers and schools to find out who may have been exposed and to help stop the spread.

If someone is unvaccinated and has been exposed, state law recommends that he or she stays home. If you have symptoms of measles or think you were exposed, stay home. Call your doctor before going to a clinic or hospital and tell them about your symptoms so they can give you instructions and help prevent the virus from spreading.

For more information about measles, symptoms, and the MMR vaccine, visit the CDC website.

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TriCounty Health, Serving for Health