First Measles Case Confirmed in Tooele County, Utah: What to Know
Tooele County, Utah, has confirmed its first case of measles in a student at Stansbury High School, health officials announced Monday, February 16, 2026. This case is part of a larger statewide outbreak, prompting health officials to urge residents to verify their vaccination status and be vigilant for symptoms.
Exposure Details and School Notification
The infected student was exposed to the virus at a multi-district school event outside of Tooele County. The Tooele County Health Department (TCHD) confirmed the student attended school while infectious on February 9 and 10, before symptoms appeared. Parents of students who may have been exposed have been directly notified and provided with guidance from the health department. KUTV and Fox13Now reported on the school notifications.
Measles Symptoms and What to Do
Measles is a highly contagious viral infection. Symptoms typically begin with:
- A mild to moderate fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
These are followed by:
- Fever (usually 101°F or higher)
- A blotchy rash that starts on the face, along the hairline, and behind the ears, then spreads downward across the body. The appearance of the rash can vary based on skin tone, appearing red on lighter skin and darker or purple on darker skin.
Health officials advise anyone experiencing these symptoms to contact their healthcare provider by phone before seeking in-person care to prevent potential spread of the virus. ABC4 detailed these symptoms in their reporting.
Statewide Measles Outbreak
As of Monday, February 17, 2026, Utah has reported 272 cases of measles statewide, according to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ measles dashboard. KSL reported this figure. The TriCounty area (Duchesne, Carbon, Daggett, and Uintah counties) is the only region in Utah that has not yet reported a case.
Importance of Vaccination
Dr. Grant Sunada, Tooele County health officer, emphasized the effectiveness and safety of the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine. “Getting vaccinated helps protect those who cannot receive the vaccine and are vulnerable,” he stated. Fox13Now quoted Dr. Sunada. Residents are encouraged to contact their healthcare provider or the Tooele County Health Department to verify their vaccination status.
Key Takeaways
- Tooele County has confirmed its first case of measles in a Stansbury High School student.
- The student was exposed at a school event outside the county.
- Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a blotchy rash.
- Utah has 272 confirmed measles cases statewide as of February 17, 2026.
- Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.