SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah now has five measles cases, and one them includes a minor, and two unvaccinated pregnant women, according to the latest information from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
At this time, 2 of the 5 Utahns who have been diagnosed with measles had to be hospitalized due to complications from measles. They have since been released.
Officials say the two pregnant women infected are at high risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or giving birth to a child who will experience serious medical problems. A pregnant woman is also much more likely to be hospitalized because of severe measles.
DHHS at this time is advising woman that if they are planning to become pregnant, get vaccinated before you get pregnant to protect yourself and your baby.
The MMR vaccine can’t be to women while they are pregnant. If you get the MMR vaccine, wait at least 4 weeks after you get your shot before you try to get pregnant.
Of the five people affected, one of the newly identified individuals with measles is a minor, while the other is an adult. One person is a Utah County resident; the other is from the southwest health district. DHHS says public health investigations are ongoing to identify any locations where possible exposures may have occurred.
