SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s well being leaders have a warning as measles instances have risen nationwide and households head out of state for spring break.In complete, 97 measles instances had been reported in 17 states as of March 28.Whereas the sickness has not but been reported in Utah, instances have been documented in neighboring states of Arizona and California, in addition to in style trip locations akin to Florida and New York.By comparability, solely 58 instances had been reported for all the yr of 2023.Officers are particularly involved as a result of contagious nature of the sickness. It’s so contagious that if one individual is contaminated, 9 out of ten folks round them may even turn out to be sick if they aren’t vaccinated or have immunity from prior sickness.The Utah Division of Well being and Human Providers issued a press release Monday, urging Utahns to be vaccinated towards the virus.“The MMR vaccine has been used for the reason that early Nineteen Seventies and has saved tens of millions of lives and prevented vital struggling across the globe,” mentioned Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist on the Utah DHHS. “The MMR vaccine is protected and efficient. Many years of cautious analysis has proven the advantages of being vaccinated towards measles far outweigh any dangers the vaccine could pose.”Officers praised the effectiveness of the vaccine, saying it’s 97% correct towards measles when two doses are given.The MMR vaccine additionally protects towards mumps and rubella along with measles. Most individuals obtain the primary dose of the vaccine as a child and the second dose when they’re between the ages of 4 and 6 years outdated, in keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.CDC officers beforehand reported that almost all of instances being reported are being seen in unvaccinated kids one-year-old and youthful and those that traveled internationally.Signs of measles embrace a runny nostril, cough, rash, pink and watery eyes and white spots on the within of the cheeks, consultants defined.In excessive instances, the illness can result in diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, mind an infection, seizures and demise.