Utah Reports New Measles Cases, Including Child

Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah's state epidemiologist, shared details about the first confirmed measles case originating in Utah during a news conference on June 20, 2025.

A fourth and fifth individual in Utah have contracted measles, as reported by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. One of the new cases involves a child, with one person residing in Utah County and the other in the southwest part of the state.

All five confirmed cases so far are unvaccinated individuals, with two of them being pregnant. Pregnant women infected with measles face risks of miscarriage, stillbirth, or birth complications.

Dr. Nolen expressed concern over the need for hospitalization of two infected individuals and anticipates more cases due to exposure. Even vaccinated individuals can contract measles, but the severity is usually lower.

The department advised unvaccinated individuals to weigh the risks and consult with healthcare providers. High rates of unvaccinated individuals in some areas of southern Utah were highlighted.

Health officials recommended vaccination for those planning pregnancy to safeguard themselves and their baby. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective against measles with two doses.

Measles symptoms typically appear 1-2 weeks post-exposure, including fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash after four days. Infants, unable to be vaccinated, are at high risk.

Precautions include staying away from others and contacting healthcare providers if exposed or symptomatic. Health care providers have been prepared for potential infections, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable infants.

As of Tuesday, there were 1,227 confirmed measles cases in 37 states, with the first Utah-originated case announced on June 20.