Utah hits 41 measles cases, wastewater testing underway
Sep 24, 2025, 1:58 PM
FILE - A measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is displayed in Provo Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015. (Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
(Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Department of Health and Human Services said the number of measles cases in Utah has reached 41 Wednesday.
According to the department, southern portions of the state have seen a higher number of cases, with 27 reported near Cedar City.
Utahns diagnosed with measles by local health district on Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025. (Screenshot, Utah Department of Health & Human Services)
On June 20, the department announced the first measles case to originate in Utah in over two years in Utah County.
Since then, the department has kept the community updated on possible exposures to ensure public health. On Sept. 9, it was reported that multiple people exposed and infected with measles were present at an event attended by approximately 2,000 people, putting them at risk.
Related: Utah health department confirms measles exposure after Soldier Hollow event
Tracking measles cases in Utah
Utah’s HHS is now testing wastewater for measles.
“Recent tests show the virus is present in wastewater in several health districts which means it’s more widespread in the state than previously known,” the department said.
When measles is present in wastewater, the department said it shows that people traveling through the area have been infected. Test results can be used to conclude when the measles virus is in the wastewater, but they don’t explain how many people may be infected.
“It could be one person, or it could be mulitple people,” the department said.
Measles signs and symptoms
Symptoms of measles usually appear within seven to 14 days of exposure. Health officials said the virus can be spread up to four days before initial symptoms appear.
The rash associated with measles usually begins as flat, red spots on the face and along the hairline. Then, the rash works it’s way down, spreading to the neck and eventually the rest of the body.
Other symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
HHS has information available about possible exposure locations, and works to notify those who may have been exposed.
For more information on measles complications, vaccinations and latest cases in Utah, click here.
