The Park City School District, in partnership with the Summit County Health Department, has sent emails to parents and staff members with information to help them and students be prepared in case of a measles case in their school.
Initial communications were sent last week and updated information went out Friday.
“As students and staff return and share close contact, the risk of measles exposure in school is higher,” the email says. “This matters because measles is one of the most infectious diseases and can cause serious health problems, hospitalization, or death for those who are not protected through previous exposure or the MMR vaccine.”
Health Department officials say two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine are 97% effective in preventing the measles and one dose is 93% effective. Typical symptoms are a fever of 101 degrees or higher with a runny nose, red watery eyes and a rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward.
Herd immunity for measles is 95%, and approximately 92% of students in Summit County are vaccinated.
Eleven Utahns have been diagnosed with measles in 2025, mostly in Utah County and the southwest corner of the state. None of the cases are in the Wasatch Back.
As of Tuesday, a total of 1,375 confirmed measles cases were reported by 42 jurisdictions in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This number does not include probable cases that are reported.
Measles is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets via coughing, sneezing or direct contact with respiratory secretions. Particles can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area.
The time between exposure to measles and the beginning of symptoms ranges from seven to 21 days, according to health officials.
Students with one or two doses of the vaccine can remain in school after a measles exposure while monitoring for symptoms. A second dose is encouraged for the best long-term protection.
If they have had no doses, students who have been exposed should stay home up to 21 days unless they receive the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure.
“Measles is a well-studied disease and our response is guided by long-standing public health protocols,” the email stated. “Utah has a state measles response plan and Utah laws that will be followed if there is a measles exposure or confirmed case. Prevention strategies are long established, so responses may differ based on a student’s immunity status.”
The emails, which are in English and Spanish, have links to the Utah Measles Disease Plan and the state’s immunization requirements for attendance at a school or licensed day care center.
“Together, we can take proactive measures to keep our schools and community safe,” the email says.
For vaccination appointments or questions, contact the Summit County Health Department at 435-333-1500.
If a confirmed measles case affects a school, the students’ families will receive a direct notification within 24 hours about next steps.