Salt Lake County suspects its first measles case since the outbreak began, but the patient refuses testing, preventing confirmation and contact tracing; health officials emphasize vaccination and caution in diagnosis to prevent further spread.
Salt Lake County reports a probable first case of measles amid a national outbreak, but the patient is uncooperative with investigations. Health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination and proper identification of health workers to prevent further spread, as measles is highly contagious and can cause severe complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals.
Health officials suspect the first case of measles in Salt Lake County, but the patient refuses testing, making confirmation difficult; the community is urged to be vigilant and ensure vaccination to prevent spread.
Two children and three adults have died of influenza in Salt Lake County, Utah, with 353 people hospitalized since October 1. Health officials emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated, as none of the deceased had received the flu vaccine this year. The flu season in Utah is unusual this year due to the presence of three active strains, but experts assure that the vaccine covers all of them. It's recommended that everyone aged six months and older get vaccinated to prevent serious illness.
Salt Lake County reports 5 flu-related deaths this season, including 2 children and 3 adults over 50, none of whom had received the flu vaccine. Health officials emphasize the seriousness of influenza and urge everyone over 6 months to get vaccinated. This flu season is unique with three actively circulating strains, and the flu vaccine covers each of them. The flu season typically peaks in January or February, and Salt Lake County has reported 353 flu-related hospitalizations since October. In Utah, flu-related emergency room visits have surpassed those for COVID-19.
Salt Lake County in Utah has experienced an alarming 800% increase in syphilis cases among young women from 2018 to 2022, with 89% of cases occurring in women of childbearing age. This surge in syphilis cases poses a higher risk of newborn syphilis in the community, with four cases of congenital syphilis confirmed so far this year. The Salt Lake County Health Department emphasizes the importance of timely testing and treatment during pregnancy to prevent stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal death, and long-term health complications in infants. Overall syphilis rates in the county have increased by 65% during the same period. Health officials recommend regular testing for syphilis, especially for pregnant women and those with multiple or anonymous sexual partners. Syphilis is a curable sexually transmitted infection caused by a bacterium, but treatment may not reverse the damage already caused.
Rates of syphilis in Salt Lake County, Utah have surged by 800% in just four years, with the sexually transmitted disease particularly affecting women of childbearing age. This increase raises the risk of congenital syphilis in newborns, which has seen a nearly 10-fold spike in states like Mississippi. The surge in syphilis cases is consistent with national data, and it is believed to be due to a lack of access to contraceptives, such as condoms, which are discouraged in the largely religious population of the state. Experts expect the number of syphilis cases to continue rising, and it is crucial to raise awareness and promote safe sexual practices to prevent further spread of the disease.
Salt Lake County in Utah has seen an alarming 800% increase in syphilis cases among women from 2018 to 2022, with 89% of the cases involving women aged 15-44. The overall increase in syphilis cases in the county was 65%. The rise in cases is particularly concerning as it poses a risk of newborn syphilis, which can lead to stillbirth, miscarriage, or neonatal death. Lack of timely testing and treatment of pregnant women contributed to 88% of this year's cases nationally, with communities of color being disproportionately affected. Testing and treatment are crucial in managing syphilis, a treatable sexually transmitted infection.
Salt Lake County in Utah has reported its first case of West Nile virus this year, with an adult being diagnosed with neuroinvasive West Nile virus and currently hospitalized. Less than 1% of people with West Nile virus develop neuroinvasive disease, which affects brain function. The county health department advises people to protect themselves from mosquito bites, especially during dusk to dawn hours, by using repellent, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating standing water. The Utah Department of Health has reported a total of four West Nile virus cases in the state this year, along with positive cases in horses and birds.
Primary election results are coming in for various cities in Salt Lake County, Utah. Voters in eight cities, including Bluffdale, Brighton, Cottonwood Heights, Draper, Murray, Sandy, West Jordan, and West Valley, cast their ballots to determine candidates for town and city councils. Ogden voters decided on mayoral candidates, while St. George residents voted for City Council contenders. Some communities in Salt Lake County will use ranked choice voting in November. Mail-in ballots postmarked by Tuesday will still be counted, and the official canvass is scheduled for September 19.
Two bats found in Salt Lake County have tested positive for rabies, prompting health officials to urge caution and encourage anyone who made contact with a bat to be evaluated. The Salt Lake County Health Department recommended rabies prevention medicine for the two individuals who came into contact with a bat in Midvale. No other exposures have been identified, but parents whose children frequent Smith Fields Park in Draper are advised to inquire about encounters with bats. Health officials remind the public to avoid touching or hurting bats, keep children and pets away, and report bat sightings to animal control agencies. Rabies is considered 100% fatal once clinical signs appear.
The Utah Supreme Court will hear arguments over whether a congressional map drawn by the state's Republican-controlled legislature to dilute Democratic votes in Salt Lake County is subject to judicial review or a political issue beyond its reach. Voting rights advocates argue that Utah's Constitution offers a stronger case than the federal one for reining in political maps, citing provisions guaranteeing free elections and the right to vote. The outcome of the case could have national implications for partisan gerrymandering and influence how courts rule in other states. State courts are becoming a crucial battleground for opponents of skewed maps since the U.S. Supreme Court removed federal courts from deciding partisan gerrymander cases.
Dozens of residents were forced to evacuate their homes as Emigration Creek overflowed due to heavy rainfall in Salt Lake County. Emergency responders were on the scene to assist with the evacuation and provide aid to those affected by the flooding.