SALT LAKE CITY – Utah health authorities have confirmed two additional cases of measles, bringing the state’s total count to seven. This sharp increase underscores ongoing public health concerns across the state, particularly following recent potential exposures in the Orem area. The updated case numbers were posted by the Utah Department of Health & Human Services (UDHHS) on Friday, June 27, 2025.
The confirmed cases represent a rapid surge. Officials noted that the total number of cases in Utah more than doubled in just two days, rising from three to five before these latest two were confirmed. This earlier group of cases notably included two pregnant women, highlighting the potential severity for vulnerable populations. While specific details about the most recent cases, including their exact locations, were not publicly released, the health department is taking proactive steps to notify the public about potential exposures.
Potential Measles exposure Sites Identified in Orem
In response to the confirmed cases, Utah health officials have identified specific locations in Orem where members of the public may have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. People who visited these sites during the listed times are advised to monitor their health closely for symptoms typical of measles.
The identified locations and exposure windows are:
Parkway Health Center: Located at 145 West 1300 South in Orem. Individuals who were at this facility on Friday, June 13, 2025, between 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. are advised to watch for symptoms.
Timpanogos Regional Emergency Room: Located at 750 West 800 North in Orem. Anyone who was present at this emergency room on Saturday, June 14, 2025, between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. should also monitor themselves for signs of illness. (Note: Some reports indicate slightly earlier end times for the ER exposure window, but the health department advises monitoring for those present within this broader range).
This public health alert is crucial for preventing further spread. Measles is an airborne disease. It can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a room.
What You Need to Know About Measles
Measles is a serious respiratory illness. It is caused by a virus. The disease spreads very easily through the air. An infected person can spread the virus four days before the rash appears and up to four days after.
Symptoms often begin like a cold. They usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Early signs include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash typically develops three to five days after symptoms start. The rash usually begins on the face at the hairline. It then spreads downward over the rest of the body.
Other possible symptoms include tiny white spots inside the mouth. These are called Koplik spots. They may appear two to three days after symptoms begin.
Measles can lead to severe complications. These include pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and death. Pregnant women, infants under one year old, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe outcomes.
Utah’s First Local Case and the Growing Concern
This recent surge in Utah follows the state’s first confirmed case of measles originating from local transmission in several years. Reported earlier in June 2025, this initial case involved an unvaccinated adult in Utah County. Health officials confirmed the individual had no known exposure outside of Utah. This indicated the virus was spreading within the community.
The source of that first local transmission remains unknown. State epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen has previously stated that officials anticipated additional cases might occur as a result. The rapid increase to seven confirmed cases confirms these concerns.
While over 90% of Utahns are vaccinated against measles, pockets of lower vaccination coverage exist. These areas are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks when the virus is introduced. This latest cluster highlights how quickly measles can spread in communities where not everyone is protected.
The National Context: A Worsening Picture
The situation in Utah is part of a larger national trend. Measles cases have significantly increased across the United States in 2025. As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 1,227 confirmed measles cases. These cases were reported across 37 jurisdictions. This represents a major rise compared to recent years.
The majority of these national cases are linked to outbreaks. According to CDC data, 89% of confirmed cases in 2025 (1,088 out of 1,227) have been outbreak-associated. For comparison, in 2024, 69% of cases (198 out of 285) were outbreak-associated. The total number of cases in 2025 already far exceeds the totals for the previous four years.
The CDC also reports three confirmed measles deaths in the U.S. as of June 24, 2025. Hospitalization rates remain a concern. In 2024, 40% of cases required hospitalization. Children under 5 years old had an even higher hospitalization rate at 52%.
A key factor driving the national increase is declining vaccination coverage. MMR vaccine coverage among U.S. kindergartners fell to 92.7% in the 2023-2024 school year. This leaves a significant number of children at risk. When measles is introduced into these under-vaccinated communities, it can spread easily.
Increased global measles activity also plays a role. Since measles is eliminated in the U.S. but still circulates worldwide, new cases in the U.S. often begin with unvaccinated travelers. High global activity means more opportunities for the virus to enter the country.
Protection and Prevention: The MMR Vaccine
The best way to protect yourself and others from measles is vaccination. The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective. Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide approximately 97% protection against measles. One dose offers about 93% protection.
Vaccination not only protects the individual but also contributes to community immunity, or herd immunity. When a high percentage of people are vaccinated (typically above 95%), it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated, like infants under one year old or individuals with certain medical conditions.
Health officials strongly recommend checking your vaccination status. If you are unsure, consult your healthcare provider. They can review your records or perform an antibody test. Receiving an extra dose of the MMR vaccine is safe if you are unsure of your status.
If you were at one of the identified Orem locations during the exposure times or develop symptoms, it is critical to act quickly.
Actionable Steps for Potential Exposure
If you were at the Parkway Health Center on June 13 (12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.) or the Timpanogos Regional Emergency Room on June 14 (2 p.m. – 9 p.m.), the Utah Department of Health & Human Services advises you to:
- Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for signs of measles for up to 21 days after your potential exposure date.
- Isolate if Symptoms Appear: If you develop a fever and rash, stay home and avoid contact with others immediately. This includes school, work, and public places.
- Call Ahead Before Seeking Care: If you need to see a doctor or visit an emergency room, call the facility before arriving. Tell them you suspect measles and might have been exposed. This allows staff to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to others in the waiting room or clinic.
- Verify Vaccination Status: Ensure you and your family are up-to-date on MMR vaccinations. If not, discuss vaccination with your healthcare provider.
Early detection and isolation are key to containing outbreaks. Public health departments are working to trace contacts and provide guidance to those potentially exposed. Following these recommendations helps protect your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main symptoms of measles and when do they appear?
Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus. The first signs often include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A distinguishing rash usually starts about 3 to 5 days after the fever begins, appearing first on the face at the hairline before spreading down the body. Small white spots, called Koplik spots, may also appear inside the mouth.
Where were the specific potential measles exposure locations in Orem, Utah?
Utah health officials identified two key locations in Orem. Potential exposure occurred at the Parkway Health Center (145 West 1300 South) on June 13, 2025, from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Exposure also may have happened at the Timpanogos Regional Emergency Room (750 West 800 North) on June 14, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Individuals at these sites during these times should monitor for symptoms.
What should I do if I think I was exposed to measles or develop symptoms?
If you were at a potential exposure site during the specified times or develop symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or a rash, you should immediately isolate yourself from others. Stay home and avoid public places. Crucially, call your doctor or the emergency room before you go. Tell them you suspect measles exposure. This allows healthcare staff to prepare and prevent the spread of the virus to others upon your arrival.
Conclusion
The confirmed rise in measles cases in Utah, particularly with potential exposures in Orem, is a serious public health development. It mirrors an concerning increase in cases seen nationally. Measles is highly contagious and can be severe, but it is preventable. Ensuring you and your family are fully vaccinated with the MMR vaccine is the most effective protection. If you were in the specified Orem locations during the identified times, or if you experience any measles-like symptoms, follow the health department’s guidance immediately by isolating and calling your healthcare provider ahead of time. Staying informed and taking recommended precautions is vital to controlling the spread of this preventable disease in our communities.
