UTAH COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) — Utah health officials have confirmed 10 additional measles cases, pushing the total measles cases in Utah to 125. The outbreak continues to expand across multiple regions, with several counties reporting high infection numbers and new exposure sites.
According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the latest measles cases were identified in Southwest Utah Health District and Utah County, the two areas currently experiencing the highest measles activity in Utah.
Counties With the Highest Number of Measles Cases in Utah
The Southwest Utah Health District now reports 82 measles cases, while Utah County has recorded 10 cases. These regions lead the state in confirmed infections.
Other areas reporting measles cases include:
- Wasatch County: 8 cases
- Bear River Health District: 4 cases
- Southeast Utah Health District: 3 cases
- Davis County: 2 cases
- Central Utah Health District: 2 cases
Health officials confirm that 12 individuals have been hospitalized due to measles-related complications.
Measles Exposure Locations Identified by DHHS
The DHHS has released a detailed list of possible measles exposure locations across Utah. Anyone who visited these sites during the listed times is advised to monitor for symptoms.
Southwest Utah Measles Exposure Locations
- Water Canyon Elementary School, Hildale – Nov. 25
- Hurricane Emergency Room, Hurricane – Nov. 28, 5:30 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Maverik Gas Station, La Verkin – Nov. 26–28
- St. George Regional Emergency Room, St. George – Nov. 30, 7:00 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
- Utah Tech University, St. George – Dec. 2, 5:45 p.m.–9:15 p.m.
- River Road Instacare, St. George – Dec. 3 (12:00 p.m.–3:15 p.m.) or Dec. 5 (11:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m.)
- St. George Regional ER, St. George – Dec. 5, 1:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Hurricane Emergency Department, Hurricane – Dec. 5, 7:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
- Hurricane Valley Instacare, Hurricane – Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m.
- Dixie Pediatrics Night Light Urgent Care, St. George – Dec. 9 (6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.) or Dec. 10 (2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.)
- Cedar North Elementary School, Cedar City – Dec. 8 (all day) and Dec. 10, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Southwest Behavioral Health Center, Cedar City – Dec. 10
- Cedar View Pediatric Dentistry, Cedar City – Dec. 10, 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
Davis and Weber County Exposure Locations
- Kid Zone, Clearfield – Nov. 26, 10:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden – Nov. 26, 12:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Walmart Supercenter, Layton – Nov. 26, 6:20 p.m.–9:20 p.m.
- The Rush Funplex, Syracuse – Nov. 28, 2:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Fairfield Jr. High, Kaysville – Dec. 1, 2025
Salt Lake and Utah County Exposure Locations
- Kopper Kids Childcare at Bingham High School, South Jordan – Dec. 1–5
- Macey’s Provo, Provo – Dec. 2, 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Utah Valley Pediatrics, Provo – Dec. 2 (3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.), Dec. 4 (2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m.), or Dec. 5 (3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.)
DHHS recommends that anyone exposed monitor for measles symptoms for at least three weeks following potential exposure.
What Is Measles and How Does It Spread?
Measles is an extremely contagious viral illness that spreads through airborne particles when an infected person coughs or sneezes. According to the CDC, symptoms typically appear 7–10 days after exposure.
Common measles symptoms include:
- High fever
- Persistent cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A red rash
Small white spots inside the mouth may develop two to three days after symptoms begin.
Measles Complications and Health Risks
Measles can lead to serious and sometimes fatal complications, especially in individuals who are not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Possible complications include:
- Pneumonia
- Brain swelling (encephalitis)
- Seizures
- Death
The measles rash usually appears 3–5 days after initial symptoms, starting at the hairline and spreading downward across the body.
Vaccination Urged as Best Protection Against Measles
DHHS reports that about 90% of Utah residents are vaccinated against measles. However, experts stress that increasing MMR vaccination rates is essential to stop the outbreak.
Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolan emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective measles prevention method.
Measles Cases Nationwide in 2025
As of December 10, 2025, the CDC reports:
- 1,912 confirmed measles cases nationwide
- Cases across 43 jurisdictions, including international visitors
- 47 measles outbreaks in 2025 (three or more related cases)
- Only 16 outbreaks were recorded in 2024, showing a sharp increase
DHHS research also shows that kindergarten vaccination rates in Utah have declined since 2014, increasing outbreak risk.
Measles epidemiologist Amelia Salmanson urges anyone with symptoms to stay home, avoid contact with others, and call ahead before seeking medical care to reduce spread in healthcare settings.
