LOGAN — The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has detected measles in wastewater from the Bear River Health District, prompting local health officials to alert the public.
While no human cases have been confirmed locally, the Bear River Health Department said the detection serves as an early warning of a potential risk. Jordan Mathis, a health officer for the department, said knowing that measles is in the community gives people the opportunity to take appropriate precautions.
The measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, commonly known as the MMR, is the most effective way to prevent measles. The health department recommends that people check their immunization records or consult a healthcare provider to determine if they are up to date on their vaccinations.
According to the health department, most kindergarten-age children in the district are fully vaccinated or are in the process of getting up to date on their immunizations. The MMR vaccine is available at most pharmacies, healthcare offices, and at the Bear River Health Department.
The health department said measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and a rash that starts on the face and spreads downward. Anyone experiencing these symptoms is advised to consult a healthcare provider.