Confirmed Measles Cases Linked to August High School Cycling Event in Utah
Several individuals contracted measles after attending a cycling event in August at Soldier Hollow, as reported by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
Approximately 2,000 people were present for the Utah High School Cycling League event on August 16. The health department confirmed four measles cases among the attendees, all of whom were unvaccinated.
The health department is collaborating with the Utah High School Cycling League to notify families and participants about their potential exposure to measles.
This event was part of a competition for teenage cyclists within the league’s region 6, which includes teams primarily from southern Utah, stretching from St. George to Moab and as far north as Utah County.
The Wasatch County School District issued a statement indicating that none of the event’s participants were residents of Wasatch County. They added that there are currently no known measles cases within the county and emphasized that the event was not connected to the district.
With these new cases, the state’s total confirmed measles cases now stands at 24, with only one person vaccinated.
Dr. Leisha Nolen, an epidemiologist for the state, noted in a statement that measles is highly contagious, even at outdoor events, and encouraged anyone who attended to verify their measles-mumps-rubella vaccination status.
The MMR vaccine is reported to be 97% effective against measles when individuals receive both recommended doses, according to the state health department.
However, vaccination rates among kindergarteners in Utah are declining. Data indicates that more parents are seeking exemptions for personal or religious reasons. In the 2024-25 school year, around 11.2% of all kindergarteners — and 9.9% of those attending in-person classes — were not adequately vaccinated against measles.
Symptoms of measles generally manifest one to two weeks after exposure. Initially, they may include a moderate fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, the fever can rise above 101 degrees, followed by a rash starting at the hairline and spreading across the body.
