Measles Outbreak Hits Utah Wrestling Tournament Amid Rising Exposures
Measles Outbreak Hits Utah Wrestling Tournament
Utah's state wrestling championships at Utah Valley University turned alarming as multiple attendees, including high school athletes from division 4A teams, tested positive for measles. Health officials confirmed exposures on February 13 and 14, 2026, amid a statewide outbreak that has reached 300 cases since summer 2025. Unvaccinated participants face the highest risk, with officials urging symptom monitoring like rashes and flu-like signs that appear days before the telltale rash.[1][2][5]
Spread Through Schools and Events
The virus, highly contagious for four days before and after the rash, has infiltrated schools and extracurriculars, following a contagious student at Highland High. Recent spikes include 58 cases in three weeks, concentrated in southern Utah but expanding. Breakthrough infections occur even in vaccinated individuals, though rarely, highlighting vaccine efficacy amid steady transmission linked to travel and gatherings.[1][5]
Protective Steps and Official Response
The Utah High School Activities Association notified participants via letter, while local districts alert families to isolate if sick. Health leaders stress vaccination, especially for the unvaccinated, and weekly dashboard updates to track progress. Prompt action curbs further spread in communities.[2][5]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Utah Valley University
**Utah Valley University (UVU)** is a prominent public university located in Orem, Utah, known for its unique dual-mission model that combines the comprehensive academic rigor of a university with the accessibility and vocational focus of a community college[4]. Established in 1941 as the Central Utah Vocational School, UVU has evolved through several name changes and expansions, reflecting its growth and diversification. It became Utah Valley State College in 1993 and attained university status in 2008[1][3][7]. UVU serves over 48,000 students as of fall 2025, making it the largest public university in Utah and one of the largest in the Rocky Mountain region[7]. It offers a broad spectrum of programs, including master’s, bachelor’s, and associate degrees, along with certificates across various fields such as business, engineering and technology, health, arts, and education[4][7]. Its student body is diverse, representing 42 countries, with a significant portion being nontraditional students, first-generation college students, and working professionals—78% of students work while studying[4]. Historically, UVU began as a vocational school focusing on trades and skilled craftsmanship. It expanded in the 1960s and 1970s to include associate degrees and moved from Provo to a larger campus in Orem, enabling further growth[1][2]. The institution was among the first community colleges to establish international exchange programs with countries including Russia, China, and Germany[1]. In the 1990s, UVU added bachelor’s degree programs in business management, computer science, and technology management, signaling its transition toward a full university[1]. UVU is recognized for its commitment to student success through engaged learning, faculty-mentored research, and community responsiveness to regional workforce needs[4][6]. The university’s Woodbury School of Business is notable for its integration of business education with technological innovation, supporting Utah’s growing economy.
Utah High School Activities Association
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Utah High School Activities Association: Powering Youth Excellence</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #2c3e50; } h2 { color: #34495e; } p { margin-bottom: 15px; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>UHSAA: Utah's Driving Force in High School Athletics and Arts</h1> <p>Founded in <strong>1927</strong>, the **Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA)** stands as the premier nonprofit leadership organization overseeing high school athletic and fine arts programs across Utah, serving <strong>160 member schools</strong> and over <strong>100,000 participants</strong> annually.[1][2] By sanctioning 25 sports—from basketball and football to emerging esports—plus music, speech/debate, and drama, UHSAA fosters education-based competition that boosts academic performance and citizenship.[1]</p> <h2>Historical Legacy and Governance</h2> <p>UHSAA's nearly century-long history emphasizes life skills, sportsmanship, and mutual respect, classifying activities into six divisions for fair play.[1] Governed by a <strong>15-member Board of Trustees</strong>—including school board members, superintendents, principals, and representatives from charter, private schools, and the Utah State Board of Education—the organization ensures balanced, community-driven decisions. An Executive Committee from regional reps handles enforcemen
Highland High
```html <!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="UTF-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <title>Highland High: Exploring America's Premier Public High Schools</title> <style> body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.6; max-width: 800px; margin: 0 auto; padding: 20px; } h1 { color: #333; } h2 { color: #555; } p { margin-bottom: 1em; } </style> </head> <body> <h1>Highland High: Pillars of Excellence in American Education</h1> <p><strong>Highland High</strong> refers to a network of distinguished public high schools across the U.S., each excelling in academics, career training, and extracurriculars, blending tradition with innovation for business and tech-savvy readers.</p> <h2>Rich Histories and Growth</h2> <p>Pioneering institutions like Utah's Highland High School, opened in 1956 in Salt Lake City, have shaped generations with 1,546 students today[3]. California's Bakersfield campus, part of Kern High School District, serves grades 9-12, emphasizing career technical education (CTE) in business, marketing, health, and tech[1][5]. Arizona's Gilbert outpost boasts A-rated status, while others in Antelope Valley and Highland, IN, expand access to 22,000+ students[2][4][9].</p> <h2>Key Achievements Spotlight</h2> <p>Utah's rugby dynasty under Coach Larry Gelwix (1976-2011) boasts a 418-10 recor
