New measles cases in southern and central Utah, bringing Utah case total to 31

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — New cases of measles have been reported by Southeast and Southwest Utah Health Departments, bringing Utah to a total of 31 measles cases for the year.

Last week, there were 22 measles cases in the state of Utah. Southeast Utah Health Department reported two new cases this week, bringing their total to 3 cases. Southwest Utah Health Department reported seven new cases this week, bringing their total to 21 cases.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services website lists three current exposure locations in Hildale, Hurricane, and Cedar City.

• If you were at Water Canyon High School in Hildale before September 3, you may have been exposed to measles, and you should watch for symptoms until September 24.
• There was also an exposure at Hurricane Peach Days on August 30, and you should watch for symptoms until September 20.
• Finally, in Cedar City, if you were at the Utah High School Cycling League Region 6 Race on August 30, you were exposed to measles and should look out for symptoms until September 20.

If you were at any of these locations on these dates, DHHS is requesting that you fill out this survey for information about your risk for getting measles and what your next steps should be.

According to the updated Utah Measles Dashboard, 29 of the 30 cases of measles in Utah this year have been in individuals who have not been vaccinated for measles. One case was in a person who had received the MMR vaccine. According to health officials, the best way to prevent measles is to be vaccinated.

Additionally, 18 of the 31 cases were in individuals younger than 18 years of age.

This comes after Grand County reported its first measles case this year on September 6, and over 2,000 people were exposed to measles at a high school event in Midway last week.

What is measles?

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air through coughing and sneezing. The 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.

Tiny white spots may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

Measles can cause serious health complications, especially for those who are not protected through the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Those complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis or brain swelling, seizures, and death.

The measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.

Getting vaccinated

According to DHHS, 90% of Utahns are vaccinated against measles and are urging those who are not vaccinated to get the MMR vaccine. Utah State Epidemiologist Leisha Nolan says that the most effective prevention against the measles is vaccination.

As of Sept. 2, 2025, a total of 1,431 confirmed measles cases were reported by 37 jurisdictions in the United States, according to the latest information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to a study conducted by the DHHS, immunization rates with specific vaccines have decreased amongst kindergarteners throughout Utah since 2014. Amelia Salmanson, a measles epidemiologist with the DHHS, told ABC4.com that anyone who is exhibiting measles symptoms or is sick should do their best to “stay home and away from others”. They can also call ahead when seeking care so clinics can prevent spread in their waiting rooms.