Measles Exposure at Highland High School: Utah Outbreak Grows

Salt Lake City – A measles outbreak continues to spread across Utah, with a recent cluster of cases at Highland High School raising concerns among public health officials. Students at the school were potentially exposed to the virus for over a week, from February 6 to February 13, after an infected and unvaccinated student attended classes during that period.

The Salt Lake County Health Department promptly notified parents of students who may have had direct contact with the infected individual, as well as all students lacking vaccination records. Unvaccinated students have been advised to closely monitor themselves for symptoms, with health officials noting a significant – 90% – chance of infection for those who were in close proximity to the student or within spaces the student occupied within two hours of their presence.

This exposure at Highland High School follows a similar incident in Tooele County, where a student at Stansbury High School tested positive for measles after attending a multi-district school event. That student was infectious on February 9 and February 10.

As of Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reported a total of 300 confirmed measles cases in the current outbreak, with 58 new cases identified in the preceding three weeks. This represents a substantial increase in infections, highlighting the ongoing risk of community spread.

Understanding Measles and its Symptoms

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection characterized by a range of symptoms, typically beginning with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A distinctive rash usually follows, often starting at the hairline and spreading downwards across the body. Early symptoms can resemble those of a common cold or flu, making prompt diagnosis crucial.

The most effective way to prevent measles is through vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine. According to health officials, the MMR vaccine provides approximately 97% protection against measles. While not 100% effective, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and, importantly, lessens the severity of illness in the rare cases where breakthrough infections occur. Even those who contract measles despite vaccination are less likely to experience severe complications or transmit the virus to others.

Outbreak Data and Vaccination Rates

Data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services reveals a strong correlation between vaccination status and infection rates in this outbreak. Of the 300 confirmed cases, 255 – a significant majority – occurred in individuals who were not vaccinated. An additional 23 cases were identified in vaccinated individuals, while the vaccination status of the remaining cases is currently unknown. The outbreak has also resulted in a concerning hospitalization rate, with one in every 12 cases requiring hospital care.

The health department’s surveillance efforts extend beyond individual cases. Recent wastewater samples collected in Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Southwest Utah have detected the presence of the measles virus on February 10, indicating ongoing community transmission.

Public Health Recommendations

Health officials strongly recommend that all individuals ensure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations. The MMR vaccine typically requires two doses for full protection. Individuals who are unsure of their vaccination status should consult with their healthcare provider.

For those experiencing symptoms consistent with measles – fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash – it is crucial to stay home and contact a healthcare professional before seeking medical attention. This helps prevent further spread of the virus within healthcare settings and the community.

The current outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to protect both individual and community health. While the vast majority of vaccinated individuals are well-protected, the presence of unvaccinated individuals creates opportunities for the virus to circulate and pose a risk to those who are most vulnerable, including infants too young to be vaccinated and individuals with compromised immune systems.

The Utah High School Activities Association was involved in an activity where the Stansbury High School student was initially infected, though specific details regarding the event remain limited.