SALT LAKE CITY — Utah well being officers warned Monday concerning the potential for a measles outbreak after 17 different states have reported instances.Measles, a respiratory illness attributable to a virus, is so contagious it’s going to infect about 90% of people that work together with an already contaminated individual, in the event that they haven’t been immunized or beforehand had measles, well being officers mentioned in a press release.At the moment, 97 instances have been reported all through the nation, some in Arizona and California and in a number of East Coast and Midwestern states. All through 2023, there have been 58 measles instances in the USA.The Utah Division of Well being and Human Providers, together with the Utah Affiliation of Native Well being Departments, mentioned in its assertion the MMR vaccine is 97% efficient with two doses.State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen mentioned the advantages of the vaccine outweigh the danger. Nolan mentioned infants could have a gentle fever and adults usually have a sore arm from a vaccine, however extra severe reactions are uncommon and may be handled.”The MMR vaccine has been used for the reason that early Nineteen Seventies and has saved thousands and thousands of lives — and prevented important struggling — across the globe,” she mentioned.Utah’s well being officers encourage all Utahns to test whether or not they have been immunized, notably these planning to journey out of state.Measles causes a rash and a fever, and might trigger a number of different signs together with a cough, sore throat, white spots within the mouth, purple or watery eyes. In additional extreme instances it could actually trigger seizures, diarrhea, pneumonia or a mind an infection.Measles could cause severe sickness particularly in youngsters beneath 5, pregnant ladies and other people whose immune techniques are weakened.The assertion mentioned signs usually start between 10 and 14 days after publicity to measles. A rash will typically begin just a few days after different indicators of the sickness, starting within the face and advancing from there. An individual can unfold measles 4 days earlier than the rash seems, usually earlier than different signs start, and till 4 days after the rash is gone.Anybody who suspects they’ve measles ought to name a well being care supplier for directions earlier than going to an appointment, well being officers mentioned.