State’s first confirmed measles case of 2025 reported in Utah County

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Utah health officials have confirmed the state’s first reported measles case in Utah County this year.

On Friday, June 20, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services announced that an adult in their 20s-40s, who lives in Utah County, has been diagnosed with measles. Health officials said that they were unvaccinated and had no out-of-state exposures, which indicates the infection was transmitted within Utah. They are reportedly doing well, recovering, and are currently isolating. At this time, no other cases have been identified.

Before being diagnosed, health officials said that the Utah County resident had visited several public places. They want to inform those who may have been at these sites at the same time, or two hours after, that they may have been exposed.

These dates and locations include:

Parkway Health Center (Orem)
145 W 1300 S.
Orem, Utah 84058
June 13 (still working to confirm time)

Timpanogos Regional ER
750 W. 800 N
Orem, Utah 84057
June 14 – 2:14 p.m. – 7:02 p.m.

“We encourage anyone who was at these locations during the risk period to watch for measles-like symptoms. Measles symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. People who have a high fever (higher than 102.2°F  or 39°C) and a cough, runny nose, or red eyes may have early stages of measles. A rash will usually appear after 4 days of fever,” health officials said.

If you do develop symptoms, health officials said to stay away from other people and call your health care provider. It’s recommended to call ahead of going into a clinic to prevent exposing others.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air through coughing and sneezing. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said those infected won’t see symptoms appear until about a week after infection and common symptoms include high fever, cough and a rash. Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for those who are not protected through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

As of June 19, the CDC said there have been a total of 1,214 confirmed measles cases in 36 jurisdictions across the United States. Twelve percent of cases have resulted in hospitalization and there have been three confirmed deaths related to measles in 2025.

Utah has largely been spared of measles cases in the last 10 years. There have only been five confirmed cases since 2015, including three in 2017. However, Utah has had a couple of scares in recent weeks after a passenger with measles traveled through the Salt Lake International Airport and another potential exposure popped up in southwest Utah.

“A person who has measles can spread the illness to others even before they have symptoms. Measles can cause severe illness and complications, such as diarrhea, ear infections, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain infection), seizures, and death,” health officials said.

Health officials said that more than 90% of Utahns have been vaccinated against measles and are well-protected against infection. Infants who are not yet one year old are at a higher risk for severe disease as they are not yet eligible for vaccination. Unvaccinated people younger than 5 years old, unvaccinated pregnant people, and unvaccinated people who have compromised immune systems are also more susceptible to complications related to the disease. According to the Utah DHHS, the MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles when a person receives two doses.

“The MMR vaccine has been used since the early 1970s. It has saved millions of lives and prevented significant suffering around the world,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah Department of Health and Human Services state epidemiologist. “The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. Decades of careful research has shown the benefits of being vaccinated against measles far outweigh any risks the vaccine may pose. We encourage those who are not vaccinated to talk to their doctor about receiving the vaccine.”

Health officials encourage Utahns to check their immunizations and medical records and talk to their healthcare provider to see if they are protected against measles. You can request immunization records through the Utah DHHS website or the Docket app and website.