TOOELE COUNTY, Utah, Feb. 17, 2026 (Gephardt Daily) — The Tooele County Health Department has confirmed the county’s first case of measles during the current wave, which began early last year.
It was confirmed in a Stansbury High student who was exposed to the virus while attending a multi-district event outside of Tooele County, the Health Department says.
A notification letter has been sent to the parents or guardians of students involved.
The infected student did not attend school while contagious or before symptoms began on Feb. 9 and 10, the statement says. Measles is a highly contagious and serious viral illness, it says.
“The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine has been shown for decades to be highly effective and safe when protecting against measles infections,” Dr. Grant Sunada, Tooele County Health Officer, said in the prepared statement.
“Getting vaccinated helps protect those who cannot received the vaccine and vulnerable. Please reach out to your healthcare provider or our Health Department staff to see if you are up to date on your vaccines. We are available to talk through our questions about the best way to keep you and your family healthy and safe.”
People able to verify they received two doses of the vaccine should be the most safe, he said. Tooele residents unsure if they are fully vaccinated can talk to their healthcare provider or contact the Tooele County Health Department at 435-227-2310.
It asks people to monitor for measles symptoms, which begin up to 21 days after exposure. Symptoms can include a cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes, and later a spiking fever and blotchy red rash. The rash usually begins on the face along the hairline and behind the ears, then spreads downward to the rest of the body.
For more information on measles in Utah, visit this link.
