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Measles Cases Surge in Utah and Arizona, Sparking Public health Concerns
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A concerning rise in measles cases is gripping the Intermountain West, with Utah reporting 44 confirmed infections so far in 2025 – a stark contrast to zero cases recorded in 2024. The outbreak, concentrated in southwestern Utah and neighboring Arizona, is prompting urgent calls for vaccination and heightened vigilance.
Southwest Utah and Arizona at the Epicenter
As of September 30th, the majority of Utah’s cases – 30 in total – are located in the southwest region bordering Arizona, which has already seen 59 cases. The Arizona Department of Health has declared an ongoing outbreak, with the vast majority of infections – all but four – centered in Mohave County. Health officials describe the outbreak spanning northern Arizona and southwest Utah as one of the largest currently active in the United States.
Beyond the southwest, Utah has identified four cases in the north, three in the southeast, and seven in Utah County.public health officials are actively investigating these cases to determine their origin and prevent further spread.
Recent Exposure Sites and Monitoring Recommendations
Recent exposure sites have been identified in both states. In Arizona, exposure sites include locations in Mohave County. In Utah, a recent exposure was identified at Chick-fil-A in Providence, Cache County, on September 11th between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Patrons of Chick-fil-A in Providence, Cache County, on September 11th between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. should monitor for symptoms until October 2nd. Eight other previously identified exposure sites are no longer under active watch.
Understanding Measles: Symptoms and Risks
Measles is a highly contagious viral illness characterized by a high fever (101°F or higher), cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash that typically begins at the hairline and spreads downward. While often manageable, measles can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, hospitalization, brain swelling possibly causing deafness, pregnancy complications, seizures, and a long-term weakened immune system. Tragically, measles can also be fatal. There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles; care focuses on managing symptoms.
National Trends and Vaccination Rates
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,544 confirmed measles cases as of September 30th, with additional probable cases under investigation. In 2024, the nation saw 285 cases. Of the 2025 cases, 21 involved international visitors, while the remaining 1,523 where identified across 42 U.S. jurisdictions.
The CDC data reveals a concerning trend: 4% of those infected in 2025 had received one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and another 4% had received both recommended doses. A staggering 92% of cases occurred in individuals who were unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown. Nearly 40% of cases were in the 5-19 age group (school age), and 27% were in children under 5. Twelve percent of those infected required hospitalization, and three deaths have been attributed to the virus this year.
Utah Vaccination Rates and Community Immunity
Vaccination rates among Utah school children are raising concerns. Data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services indicates that approximately 10% of in-person kindergarten students have either an exemption for the MMR vaccine or incomplete vaccination documentation. 9% of in-person kindergarten students have an exemption to any school-required vaccine, and 10.1% of all students, including those in online schools, have a similar exemption.
Recent analysis by NBC News and Stanford University highlighted particularly low vaccination rates in Washington County, Utah, near the Arizona border, where approximately 79% of kindergartners are vaccinated against measles. This is only slightly higher than the rate in Gaines County, Texas, which experienced an earlier outbreak in 2025. Experts emphasize that a 95% vaccination rate is crucial to achieve herd immunity.
“I’ve worked for this health department for about 18 years, and we’ve never seen a case of measles that I know of up until this point,” stated a public information officer for the Southwest Utah Public Health Department to NBC News. “We are just at that low rate of (vaccine) uptake that does leave us open for this kind of an outbreak.”
