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OGDEN -- The Bear River Health Department confirmed three new cases of measles in Cache County on June 6, increasing the total infected people to four, which consists of both children and adults.
On May 31, the BRHD announced the first confirmed case of measles in the county.
"The most important thing is that people check their immunization records, and update their records." Jill Parker
The new cases were "all close contacts of that first or initial case," according to Jill Parker, public relations director for the BRHD.
They are currently working on an epidemiological investigation which involves finding as many people who may have come in contact with the infected persons as possible.
"We are working diligently to try and get a hold of the contacts," Parker said. "Those that are close contacts or have been exposed will be [notified]."
Reaching these people soon is critical. If they can be reached and vaccinated within 72 hours, those who have possibly been exposed will face a much lower chance of infection, according to Parker.
"The most important thing is that people check their immunization records and update their records," Parker said. This goes for their children's records as well.
Most new cases of measles in the U.S. this year are contracted by people who don't have a vaccination, according to the CDC.
While the BRHD was not able to say whether the four confirmed to have the infection were vaccinated or not, they advised people who have not been to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The MMR shot (measles, mumps, rubella) is generally administered in two doses, and the health department stressed that getting one dose is better than none. One dose will prevent the disease 95 percent of the time, and two doses will prevent it 99 percent of the time.
According to the CDC, the first dose should generally be given to children at the age of 12-15 months, and the second at four to six years.
In adults who were not vaccinated as children, the first dose should be given as soon as possible, and the second dose should be given at least four weeks after the initial one.
