Measles Exposure Sites & Outbreak Update
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 17, 2026
Vernal, UT – TriCounty Health Department (TriCHD) has confirmed 10 additional measles infections since March 5, 2026. This brings the total number of confirmed infections in the area to 15.
The list below includes the exposure locations that have been reported to TriCounty Health:
- Vernal Cinemas movie theater Monday, March 9, 2026
- Uintah High School play from Wednesday March 11 to Saturday March 14, 2026
- Blacklights Ignite on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
If you have been to any of these places on the dates noted, you may have been exposed to measles. If you believe you were exposed or have symptoms of measles, take action to prevent spreading it to others. Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and 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.
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.
TriCHD’s infectious disease specialists are working closely with healthcare providers and individuals to provide clear guidance to contagious persons to help reduce risk of further spread.
Due to the highly contagious nature of this virus and the lengthy incubation period, TriCHD asks for community cooperation in preventing the spread. Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after a person is exposed, but can appear up to 21 days later. A person with measles can spread the virus to others four days before the rash appears and four days after it starts.
Measles infections can be prevented through vaccination. 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.
TriCHD is continuing to investigate possible cases and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
Media Contact
Sydnee Lyons - Public Information Officer
Phone: 435-247-1169