Utah battles year-long measles outbreak as cases spread to most counties
More than 680 Utah residents have contracted measles since June 2025, with infections reported in 22 of the state's 29 counties and health officials warning the disease could flare up again as schools reopen.
Utah has recorded over 680 measles cases since the first outbreak began on June 20, 2025, affecting 22 of the state's 29 counties. The disease has spread beyond isolated pockets, reaching healthcare facilities, retail stores, restaurants and youth sporting events, including a high school wrestling championship that generated at least 46 cases.
State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said the recent slowdown does not mean the threat has passed, noting that the start of the school year and colder weather could trigger another surge. > "It's still here, it's still transmitting," she said. > "We just need those few cases to hit the wrong community and it could flare up really big again."
The southwestern region has reported the highest number of infections, with 265 cases, while the rural northeast "tricounty" area has seen a notable decline in childhood vaccination rates, leaving more than 16% of kindergarteners without measles immunization last year, compared with a statewide gap of 12.8%.
Local health officials responded by excluding unvaccinated students from in-person classes, urging sick individuals to isolate, and promoting vaccination through community outreach. Infectious disease specialist Cyndie Mattinson described efforts to reassure hesitant parents, emphasizing that health workers aim to be a resource rather than an enforcement agency.
Nationally, the United States faces scrutiny over its measles-free status, as the disease must not circulate continuously for a full year to retain the designation. International experts will convene in November to assess whether the U.S. and Mexico have lost that status, following Canada’s recent loss.
Pediatrician Dr. Ellie Brownstein, president-elect of the state chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, opposed legislation that would have eased school vaccine waiver procedures. She expressed uncertainty about ending the outbreak, saying, "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."