Utah measles cases rise as new exposures reported
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A measles warning poster outside the University of Utah Farmington Health Center. Photo: Erin Alberty/Axios
As measles case counts increase, Utah health officials are warning of new possible exposure incidents across the state.
By the numbers: The state health department has confirmed 300 measles cases in Utah during the outbreaks that began in 2025.
- In the past three weeks, 58 have been reported to health officials, with 15 from Sunday to Tuesday of this week.
Case in point: Patients with measles were at Salt Lake's Highland High School all of last week and Intermountain Christian School the week before that, health officials announced Wednesday.
Threat level: The airborne disease is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 of 10 people nearby will be infected if they're not vaccinated.
- Symptoms — fever, congestion, rashes or red, watery eyes — may take up to 21 days to develop.
Zoom out: Health officials are warning of possible exposure at these northern Utah locations, too.
- Memorial InstaCare in SLC, Feb. 9
- Salt Lake International Airport, Jan. 31.
- Primary Children's Hospital emergency department, Jan. 28.
- Utah high school state wrestling championships at UVU on Feb. 13 and 14, and the 4A wrestling divisional at Mountain View High in Orem, Jan. 30 and 31.northern Utah locations, too. Watch for symptoms until three weeks have passed.
- Primary Children's Hospital emergency department, Jan. 28.
- Utah high school 4A wrestling divisional at Mountain View High in Orem, Jan. 30 and 31.
- Vans Outlet in Lehi, Jan. 31.
- Windsor Elementary in Orem, Feb. 2.
- Stansbury High School, Feb. 9 and 10.
Zoom in: The spread has been particularly prolific in Washington County, with ongoing symptom watches recommended in connection to at least 25 possible exposure incidents.
- Locations included St. George Regional Airport, six health care facilities, two churches and three schools.
Caveat: These incidents do not include several cases where symptom watches end Wednesday.
My thought bubble: I've seen misinformation circulating on social media community groups regarding safety protocols at clinics and hospitals.
- State health officials share the same recommendation as the University Health poster photographed above: If you develop symptoms, call your health care provider before entering the facility.
Between the lines: If you may have been exposed and are at risk of infection, you may be eligible for post-exposure prophylactic treatments.