Utah health officials have confirmed the state’s first verified case of measles this year, urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up-to-date as cases rise across the nation. This new development places Utah among dozens of states grappling with the highly contagious illness in 2025.
The confirmed case is an adult from Utah County who is unvaccinated. Significantly, the individual had no recent travel history outside of Utah, suggesting the infection was acquired locally within the state. As of Friday, June 20, 2025, the source of this initial infection remains under investigation, although state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen indicated that officials anticipate the possibility of additional, yet undetected, cases linked to this transmission.
The infected person is currently isolating at home with minimal contact. The Utah County Health Department is working closely with the individual and their family, providing guidance on monitoring for symptoms and taking steps to prevent further spread among close contacts.
Potential Public Exposure Sites Identified
Health officials have identified specific locations visited by the Utah County resident during their infectious period before diagnosis. Anyone who was at these sites during the specified times, or up to two hours afterward, may have been exposed to the measles virus and should monitor themselves for symptoms:
The Parkway Health Center: 145 W. 1300 South, Orem, sometime on June 13 (specific time is still being confirmed).
Timpanogos Regional ER: 750 W. 800 North, Orem, on June 14, between 2:14 p.m. and 7:02 p.m.
Understanding Measles Symptoms
Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can remain active in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours. Unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles have about a 90% chance of becoming infected.
Symptoms typically begin to appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, though the incubation period can extend up to three weeks. Initial signs often include:
A high fever, potentially soaring above 102.2°F (39°C).
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Within two to four days of these initial symptoms, the characteristic measles rash usually appears. This rash is a key indicator, typically starting as flat red spots at the hairline and on the face, then spreading downwards over the body. Children in the symptomatic phase, particularly before the rash appears, can be very uncomfortable and are at risk of complications.
Severity and Complications
While often thought of as a childhood illness, measles can cause severe disease in both children and adults. Potential complications are serious and can include:
Pneumonia (lung infection)
Ear infections
Dehydration
Encephalitis (brain swelling), which can lead to convulsions, deafness, or intellectual disability.
Blindness
Tragically, measles can be fatal. There have already been three measles-related deaths reported in the United States this year, including unvaccinated school-aged children and an unvaccinated adult in states experiencing significant outbreaks. Experts highlight the devastating impact, noting that roughly 1 in 20 children with measles will require hospitalization.
The Critical Role of Vaccination
Measles had been declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000 thanks to widespread vaccination efforts. However, the virus is highly infectious and continues to circulate in other parts of the world, making importation possible. Recent outbreaks in the U.S. are often linked to declining childhood vaccination rates in certain communities, creating pockets where the virus can easily spread.
The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the most effective tool for preventing measles.
One dose of the MMR vaccine is about 93% effective against measles.
Two doses are approximately 97% effective.
Even if a vaccinated person contracts measles, the illness is typically much milder than it would be without vaccination.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), over 90% of Utahns are vaccinated against measles, providing a strong level of community protection. However, maintaining high vaccination rates – ideally around 95% for herd immunity – is crucial to protect vulnerable populations.
Protecting Vulnerable Groups
While most people can get vaccinated, certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including:
Infants younger than 1 year old: They are typically too young for the standard MMR vaccination schedule. Infants usually receive their first dose between 12 and 15 months. This is because maternal antibodies passed during pregnancy can interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness in younger babies. However, in outbreak situations or before travel to high-risk areas, infants 6-11 months old can receive an early dose, though they will still need the standard two doses later.
Pregnant women
Immunocompromised individuals
Ensuring that those around these vulnerable individuals are vaccinated helps create a protective buffer.
Amidst a National Resurgence
Utah’s case occurs as the U.S. faces a significant increase in measles activity. As of the previous Thursday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reported a total of 1,214 confirmed measles cases across 34 states and the District of Columbia. This figure represents a stark rise compared to previous years.
Major outbreaks are occurring in states like Texas (over 700 cases), which has seen spread to neighboring New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Other states experiencing outbreaks (defined by the CDC as three or more related cases) include North Dakota (reporting its first cases since 2011), Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Some U.S. outbreaks have been genetically linked to larger outbreaks in neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico, highlighting the global nature of measles spread.
Responding to a measles outbreak is costly for public health systems, involving extensive contact tracing, testing, and public messaging. Experts note that the cost of containing an outbreak can be significantly higher than the cost of routine childhood vaccinations.
What to Do If You Were Potentially Exposed or Develop Symptoms
Utah health officials emphasize that the current situation is a “controllable outbreak,” provided necessary precautions and vaccinations are taken.
Check your vaccination status: Verify your immunization records or consult a healthcare provider to ensure you and your family are protected against measles, especially if you plan to travel.
If you were at an identified exposure location: Monitor yourself closely for measles symptoms for up to three weeks after the exposure date.
If you develop measles symptoms: Stay away from other people immediately. Call your healthcare provider or local health department before* going to a clinic or hospital. This allows staff to take precautions to prevent exposing others. There is no specific treatment for measles; care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. Post-exposure prophylaxis options, such as vaccination within 72 hours or immunoglobulin for vulnerable individuals within six days, may help reduce severity or prevent illness.
Vaccination remains the single most critical step in preventing measles infection, protecting individuals, and controlling the spread of this potentially deadly disease.
