Measles Cases Surge in Utah

According to the most recent update from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, Utah has recorded 44 confirmed cases of measles in 2025. This marks a significant rise compared to the previous year, which saw no reported cases.

As of September 30, 30 of these cases are located in southwest Utah, very near Arizona, which has documented 59 cases. The Arizona Department of Health is currently managing an ongoing outbreak, with most cases occurring in Mohave County.

This outbreak affecting both northern Arizona and southwest Utah is among the largest in the United States at this time.

The remaining 14 cases in Utah are distributed as follows: four in northern Utah, three in the southeast region, and seven in Utah County. Testing of wastewater samples has indicated the presence of the measles virus in the same areas, but it doesn’t provide a specific count of affected individuals. The detection is the same regardless of whether it’s one person or many.

Exposure and Symptoms Monitoring

Currently, there are three active monitoring periods for symptoms, but they are nearing their end. Those who were at Budge Clinic in Logan on September 15 from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. may have been exposed, with the last day to watch for symptoms being October 6.

Additionally, a measles case was reported at Water Canyon High School in Hildale on September 12, so individuals present during that time are at risk as well. This monitoring is set to end on October 3.

Lastly, anyone who visited Chick-fil-A in Providence, Utah, on September 11 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. will no longer need to monitor for symptoms after October 2.

Eight prior exposure periods are now complete, and monitoring for those has concluded since sufficient time has passed.

Understanding Measles

Measles typically presents with several symptoms, including a high fever (101°F or higher), cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a rash that usually starts at the hairline before spreading downward.

This viral infection can lead to several serious complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization, brain swelling that risks deafness, pregnancy complications, seizures, and a long-term weakened immune system. Tragically, some cases result in death.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for measles, and management focuses on alleviating symptoms.

National Overview

As of September 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a national total of 1,544 measles cases. The CDC also recognizes probable cases but counts only those verified by lab results. In comparison, there were 285 cases nationwide in 2024.

Among the 2025 cases, 21 involved international visitors, while 1,523 cases were identified across 42 jurisdictions, including Alabama, Arizona, California, and others.

Notably, 4% of cases involved individuals who had received one dose of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine, and another 4% had received both recommended doses. The remaining 92% were either unvaccinated or their vaccination status was unknown. Approximately 40% of the cases were found in the 5 to 19 age group, while 27% were in children under 5 years old.

This year, 12% of cases resulted in hospitalization due to the severity of symptoms, and three deaths have been reported linked to measles.

Vaccination Statistics among Utah Students

Federal authorities are strongly encouraging parents to vaccinate their children against measles, emphasizing that vaccines not only protect individual children but also promote community immunity. Acting CDC director Jim O’Neill pointed this out recently.

According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services data for the 2024-25 school year:

• Approximately 10% of in-person kindergarten students in Utah had either an exemption for the MMR vaccine or lacked documentation of vaccination against measles.
• 9.0% of in-person kindergarten students in Utah were exempt from any required school vaccination.
• Overall, 10.1% of all Utah students had exemptions for any school-required vaccine, including those in online education.

Reporting from NBC News shows that in Washington County, Utah, close to the Arizona border, about 79% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles. This is a slight increase compared to Gaines County, Texas, which had a notable outbreak earlier this year. To achieve herd immunity, 95% coverage is needed.

David Heaton from the Southwest Utah Public Health Department mentioned, “In my 18 years here, we’ve never seen a case of measles until now. Our low vaccination rates make us vulnerable to an outbreak like this.”

Health officials from Utah and Arizona are reportedly collaborating on measures to address the outbreak.