Measles Outbreak Linked to Utah Wrestling Championships and Schools

Salt Lake City – Multiple individuals who attended last weekend’s Utah state wrestling championships and students at Highland High School have been diagnosed with measles, prompting health officials to urge vaccination and caution. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (UDHHS) is closely monitoring the outbreak, which began in June, and reports transmission is occurring statewide, particularly among students involved in school and extracurricular activities.

Concerns at the Wrestling Championships

Amelia Salmanson, preventable disease manager at UDHHS, expressed particular concern for participants at the state championships held at Utah Valley University who are unvaccinated. Health officials have noted cases specifically within 4A wrestling teams. A notice has been sent to all participants of the wrestling championships in collaboration with the Utah High School Activities Association. Source

Highland High School Exposure

The spread at the wrestling tournament followed confirmation that a contagious student attended Highland High School for over a week, with the disease actively spreading within the school. Source

Statewide Transmission and Vaccination

“We’re seeing transmission throughout the state, and at this point people who are not vaccinated are at an increased risk of getting measles,” Salmanson stated. Source The MMR vaccine is highly effective, even with just one dose, and breakthrough cases are typically milder and less transmissible. Source

Symptoms and Contagious Period

Individuals are contagious approximately four days before the onset of the typical measles rash and remain contagious for four days after the rash appears. Source Initial symptoms can resemble those of a cold or flu, making early recognition difficult, even though the person is contagious. Source

Hospitalization Rates and Mild Cases

The hospitalization rate for measles in Utah is around 12% of diagnosed cases, though severe cases have been infrequent. Many cases likely move unreported due to mild symptoms. Source

Recommendations and Resources

Health officials recommend that unvaccinated individuals stay home if they feel unwell and monitor for rash symptoms. They likewise advise calling healthcare centers ahead of time to prevent potential exposures. Source For questions about risk or exposure, individuals are encouraged to contact their local health departments. A list of exposure locations, including the state wrestling championships and Mountain View High School, is available from the state health department. Source

The Utah Department of Health & Human Services provides a wide range of health and social services to ensure the safety and health of all Utah residents. Source For the latest information on measles in Utah, visit the UDHHS measles response page.