Make sure you’re up-to-date on immunizations
Salt Lake City—Utah public health officials have identified an adult from Utah County who has been diagnosed with measles. This person was unvaccinated and has no out of state exposures which indicates the infection was transmitted within Utah. No other people with measles have been identified at this time.
Officials will address the media today and take questions today, June 20, 2025
Location: Martha H. Cannon Health Building, Room 125
Address: 288 N. 1460 West, Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
Time: 1-2 p.m.
Speaker: Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist
Attending: Tracy Gruber, DHHS executive director
Dr. Stacey Bank, DHHS executive medical director
During their infectious period but prior to diagnosis, the Utah County resident visited several public places. People who were at these sites at the same time or two hours after this person could have been exposed to measles. We encourage unvaccinated people who were in these locations during the exposure time period to monitor themselves for symptoms. Those dates and places 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. If you were at either of these locations during these times, use this link to fill out a survey to find out your risk for getting measles: https://utahdhs.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_29u5Q9RP80CaWsS.
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.
If you do develop symptoms you should stay away from other people and call your healthcare provider. Call first before you go to a clinic or hospital to prevent other people from exposure.
More than 90% of Utahns have been vaccinated against measles and are highly protected against infection. However, infants younger than age 1 are not eligible for the vaccine. These infants do not have protections from measles and as a result, are at higher risk of severe disease. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people who have weakened immune systems. 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. These complications are more common among unvaccinated children younger than 5 years old, unvaccinated pregnant people, and unvaccinated people who have compromised immune systems, such as from leukemia or HIV infection.
The most effective prevention against the measles is vaccination. Public health in Utah wants to reassure the community that immediate action is being taken to contain the situation. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective against measles when the person gets 2 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 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.”
Public health officials in Utah encourage everyone to check their immunization and medical records or talk to a healthcare provider to see whether they are protected from the measles. People who were born before 1957 likely had measles as a child and are considered immune. People planning out-of-state or international travel, in particular, should make sure they’re protected from measles infection. To learn how to request your immunization record, visit https://immunize.utah.gov/usiis-parents-individuals/. You can also check your immunization records in the Docket app or website.
To learn more about measles in Utah, visit https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/measles/.