Days after the University of Utah confirmed its first measles case on April 1, the Department of Public Safety sent out another warning of exposure on April 9.
According to the alert, the A. Ray Olpin Student Union and ASUU Offices were exposed to a case on April 7, 2026, between 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. “If you or those you live with were here during the times listed, watch for symptoms of measles through April 28, 2026,” the report said.
What is measles?
Measles is an airborne, highly contagious illness that spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area.
In the campus advisory, the U’s Department of Public Safety stated that measles can cause serious health problems, including pneumonia, brain damage and death.
According to a university announcement on measles, 97% of the U’s student body is vaccinated, indicating that campus is a “lower-risk community.”
The article also recommended vaccination and N-95 masks. “Vaccine coverage of at least 95% with both doses of the measles vaccine prevents outbreaks and protects communities,” the U advised. “Immunity [qualifies as] two MMR doses or a serologic test of immunity. Individuals born before 1957 are assumed to have immunity.”
Safety recommendations
Utah HHS’s online measles outbreak tracker — updated on April 7 — shows 386 Utah residents have been diagnosed with measles in 2026, an increase of 24 cases since the last campus outbreak.
If an individual has been exposed, the U’s alert recommends the following:
- Watch for symptoms for 21 days, including fever, cough, runny nose, rash, red or watery eyes and white spots in the mouth.
- Check vaccination status and records to ensure you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
- Stay home for 21 days if you are not vaccinated.
According to the U, a person who is sick with measles can spread the virus from four days before the rash appears to four days after the rash appears. The Salt Lake County Health Department will provide guidance on when an exposed individual can return to campus.
