Summit County, Utah – In a significant public health development, the Summit County Health Department announced on January 10, 2026, that a student at the South Summit School District has tested positive for measles. This marks the first confirmed case of measles in Summit County amid a broader nationwide outbreak that has raised concerns among health officials across the country. The infected student was reported to have attended school and participated in school activities while being infectious. Health officials indicated that potential exposures might have taken place during school hours at South Summit Elementary School on January 5. Upon receiving the confirmation of the case, the Summit County Health Department swiftly mobilized resources to assess the situation and prevent any further spread of the virus. "We have been preparing for this eventuality for several months with proactive measures in collaboration with our school district partners," stated Dr. Phil Bondurant, the Health Director of Summit County. "We urge residents who have not yet received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine to consider getting vaccinated as it is the most effective way to protect against this highly contagious virus." Measles is known for its extreme contagiousness; unvaccinated individuals have a staggering 90% chance of contracting the disease if they come into contact with an infected person. This is particularly concerning as the virus can be transmitted even before the infected individual shows symptoms, remaining viable in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left the vicinity. In light of this development, health officials are coordinating closely with the South Summit School District to ensure that parents, students, and faculty members are properly notified. They are also providing guidance on necessary precautions to be taken to mitigate the risk of further infection. Health Department staff are actively investigating the case, tracing contacts, and reviewing vaccination records of individuals who may have been exposed. Symptoms of measles typically manifest between seven to fourteen days after exposure and can include a high fever, severe cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that begins as flat red spots on the face and spreads downward. Given the potential severity of complications from measles, especially in unvaccinated individuals, health officials are particularly vigilant. Unvaccinated children, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems are at heightened risk for severe consequences from the illness. As part of their response, health officials recommend that anyone who exhibits symptoms of measles and has been in contact with an infected person contact their healthcare provider remotely, either by phone or through a health app, prior to visiting any medical facility to minimize the risk of further spreading the virus. The MMR vaccine has proven to be highly effective in preventing measles, with two doses offering more than 97% protection against the disease. In the rare instances where vaccinated individuals contract measles, they typically experience milder symptoms, shorter illness duration, and are less likely to transmit the virus to others. Vaccination clinics are available at local pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and Summit County Health Department immunization clinics, making access to the vaccine convenient for residents. Dr. Bondurant emphasized the importance of vaccination in maintaining public health safety. "Vaccination is not just a personal choice; it is a community responsibility. Protecting our children and vulnerable populations is paramount, especially during an outbreak." Residents are encouraged to stay informed about measles and the response efforts underway in their community. For additional updates and information on measles prevention, the public can visit the Utah Department of Health’s dedicated measles response webpage at https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response. As the situation develops, health officials continue to monitor the outbreak closely, ready to implement further measures as necessary to protect the health and safety of Summit County residents. This case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of vaccination and the role it plays in safeguarding the health of the community as a whole.