Utah’s Ongoing Battle With Measles Outbreaks

Over the past year, Utah has been grappling with measles outbreaks, posing a challenge to the United States’ ability to maintain its measles-free status. Since the initial outbreak on June 20, 2025, more than 680 individuals have contracted the disease.

Unlike outbreaks in Texas, South Carolina, and Arizona, controlling the spread in Utah has been difficult. The disease has affected undervaccinated communities across almost every county, appearing in healthcare environments, retail stores, restaurants, and youth sporting events. In February, a state high school wrestling championship exposure resulted in 46 cases among attendees.

Measles Disease Characteristics

Measles ranks among the most contagious diseases. Symptoms include a characteristic rash, high fevers, strong cough, ear infections, and diarrhea. While recovery is common, certain groups like infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems face higher risks. Complications may include pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, or even death. Healthy individuals might later develop a deadly degenerative brain disease a decade post-infection. The measles vaccine provides 97% protection after two doses.

Though Utah’s recent spread has decreased, state epidemiologist Leisha Nolen remains vigilant. She warns that the beginning of the school year and colder fall weather could trigger another surge.

“It’s still here, it’s still transmitting. We just need those few cases to hit the wrong community and it could flare up really big again.”

Impact of Lower Vaccination Rates

The southwestern region of the state is hardest hit, with 265 cases since last summer. Measles spread to 22 of Utah’s 29 counties. Rural northeastern areas, known as the tricounty health region, faced conditions ripe for transmission. Daggett, Duchesne, and Uintah counties saw over 16% of kindergarteners lacking measles vaccines last school year. Statewide, 12.8% of children were missing vaccines, falling short of the 95% needed to prevent outbreaks. The TriCounty Health Department recorded 74 cases in spring from exposure at the wrestling tournament, spreading to schools and homes.

Local health officials report rising vaccine hesitancy over time. Despite high case numbers, TriCounty’s response is deemed successful. Efforts focused on mitigating spread. Unvaccinated students were excluded from classrooms, and sick individuals isolated. A community appeal led to increased vaccinations.

TriCounty’s infectious disease specialist, Cyndie Mattinson, shared an instance of overcoming community skepticism. A parent initially hesitant to engage with health officials changed perceptions after reassurance and support.

“The perceptions were changed that we weren’t out there to police, we were there to be a help and a resource to the community.”

Evaluating U.S. Measles-Free Status

Utah’s extended measles battle may influence whether the U.S. retains its measles-free designation. Measles is considered eliminated when there’s no continuous local spread for a year. As of June 18, national cases reached 2,104, nearing last year’s record.

Utah has contended with measles for a year; however, links to the Utah-Arizona state line outbreak detected in August remain uncertain. Most cases originated within the state itself.

International health experts will meet in November to decide if the U.S. and Mexico have retained their elimination status, as Canada lost its status last year.

Utah doctors continue reassuring patients and advocating for sound public health policy. Dr. Ellie Brownstein, president-elect of the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, opposed a bill easing school vaccine waivers. Although the bill failed, a clear cultural response to the resurgence is absent.

“I don’t know that we get it to end. I don’t know that we’re going to get this genie back in the box because there’s enough people out there to spread it.”

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.