2 new measles cases reported in Utah, bringing total to 5
Jun 26, 2025, 9:18 AM | Updated: 3:02 pm
FILE - Matt Caldwell, left, a Lubbock Fire Department official, administers a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine to Clair May, 61, at the Lubbock Health Department, Feb. 26, 2025, in Lubbock, Texas. (AP Photo/Mary Conlon, File)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Mary Conlon, File)
SALT LAKE CITY — Public health officials have confirmed two more measles cases in Utah, bringing the state’s total to five.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, both individuals are unvaccinated and linked to previously reported cases.
One of the newly diagnosed is a minor.
According to the DHHS, one of the patients lives in Utah County, while the other is from the southwest health district. Public health teams are still working to find out where others may have been exposed.
In a press conference on Thursday, state epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen said that health officials already knew these two people had been exposed.
“These two people were not unexpected; we knew they had been exposed and were at high risk.”
Utah measles cases
Two of the five people diagnosed with measles were hospitalized with complications, but have since been released.
Nolan said officials were concerned about the hospitalizations.
“We certainly want to have as minimal infections as we can here in Utah and as mild, so to know that two out of five people had to go to the hospital for their measles infections is quite concerning to us.”
Additionally, two of the cases involve unvaccinated pregnant women.
Nolan urged people to get vaccinated if they are planning to get pregnant.
“If anybody is considering becoming pregnant that they go and check that they are vaccinated. And if they are not vaccinated, to get the vaccine. Because it is a vaccine that can be given before pregnancy, but not during pregnancy. And people who are pregnant, if they get measles, they’re much more likely to get severe infections, much more likely to go to the hospital. And unfortunately, they’re also much more likely to have premature birth or even lose the baby.”
Symptoms to look for
Measles symptoms generally begin seven to 14 days after exposure. Early signs include a high fever, over 102.2°F or 39°C, along with a cough, runny nose or red, irritated eyes. A rash typically appears about four days after the fever starts.
Health officials say to stay home if you develop symptoms and that vaccination is the best way to prevent the disease and its spread.
“I do think the people who are unvaccinated, it is the time to start really talking to your doctor. Talking and thinking about what the risks are to you and your family,” Nolan said.
The DHHS will provide updates on its website.
Related: RFK Jr. says measles outbreak shouldn’t kill healthy children, Utah doctor says that’s incorrect
