Park City School District urges measles vigilance as neighboring district reports cases

Photo: Photo by CDC

PARK CITY, Utah — The Park City School District is urging families to review their children’s vaccination records and prepare for possible school exclusions following five confirmed cases of measles in the neighboring Wasatch County School District.

District officials have notified parents and guardians that, because both districts share activities, events, and programs, local families face a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

Measles is a highly contagious airborne infection, and with the holiday break approaching, officials warn that the risk of rapid spread is increased. Symptoms may not appear for several days, raising the likelihood of unintentional exposure.

To mitigate community spread, the district has outlined a mandatory exclusion policy for unvaccinated students who have been exposed to the measles virus. These students will be required to stay home for up to 21 days, which covers the full incubation period of the virus. The exclusion period may be extended if there are additional or ongoing exposures in the community.

Families are encouraged to locate and submit updated vaccination documentation as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary absences.

District leaders stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect students, staff, and vulnerable community members. They ask families to take the following four key steps:

1. Review Immunization Records: Check each child’s MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccination status.

2. Contact Providers: If there is uncertainty about whether a child is fully vaccinated or needs an additional dose, families should reach out to their healthcare provider or the Summit County Health Department.

3. Learn Measles Symptoms: Symptoms may include high fever, cough, runny nose, a red, blotchy rash that typically starts on the head and spreads down the body, and eye redness or infection.

4. Schedule Vaccination: Families whose children require updated immunizations should schedule appointments as soon as possible. Many providers, including the Summit County Health Department, offer vaccines at low or no cost.

Parents and guardians with additional questions are encouraged to contact their school nurse or the Summit County Health Department.