HYRUM — The Cache County School District has issued a health alert to the Mountain Crest High School community following a potential measles exposure on campus late last month.
District officials announced that individuals present at the high school on Feb. 24 and 25 may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. In response, school administrators are working alongside local health authorities to manage the situation and prevent a potential outbreak.
As a proactive measure, the district has already directly contacted the families of students who do not have documented proof of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunization. Furthermore, administrators have provided health department officials with a list of attendees and contact information from the exposure dates to facilitate contact tracing and any necessary follow-up.
“Our priority is the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families,” Superintendent Todd McKee said in a statement. “We are working closely with health professionals to manage this situation with an abundance of caution and transparency.”
Health officials are advising all students and staff who were on campus during the two-day window to closely monitor themselves for symptoms through March 18.
Symptoms and Guidance
- What to look for: Measles typically presents with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. These initial symptoms are usually followed by a characteristic rash that begins on the face and spreads downward across the body.
- What to do: Families are urged to keep students home if they develop any of these symptoms. It is critical to call a healthcare provider before visiting a clinic or hospital to prevent further transmission of the virus in public waiting rooms.
- Vaccination status: Fully vaccinated students do not need to take immediate action but should remain vigilant as a standard precaution. The district encourages families of unvaccinated students to contact their healthcare providers, emphasizing that the MMR vaccine remains the most effective protection against the virus.