Urgent: Fourth Measles Case This Week Pushes Utah Total to 57

BREAKING: A new case of measles has been confirmed in Southern Utah, marking the fourth case reported this week and bringing the statewide total to 57 cases. This alarming surge is prompting health officials to take immediate action as the outbreak intensifies.

The latest case was identified in the Southwest Utah Health District, which has now reported a staggering 43 cases this year alone. The swift increase in infections is raising concerns in the community, particularly among those who are unvaccinated. The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) emphasizes that out of the total cases, 55 have been in unvaccinated individuals, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination.

Potential exposure locations have been identified, and residents are urged to remain vigilant. Those who visited the following sites should monitor for symptoms for at least three weeks from the exposure dates:

– St. George Regional Hospital (1380 E Medical Center Drive, St. George, UT 84790) on October 9 between 10:45 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
– River Road Instacare (577 S River Road, St. George, UT 84790) on October 9 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
– Hurricane Emergency Department (127 N 2260 W, Hurricane, UT 84737) on October 10 or October 11
– Water Canyon High School (880 N Carling St. #520, Hildale, Utah 84784) on September 25
– Innova Tech (4360 S Wecco Road, Cedar City, UT 84721) on September 26

Health officials are stressing the urgency of vaccination, especially as the highly contagious nature of measles poses serious health risks.

“The most effective prevention against measles is vaccination,”

said Leisha Nolan, Utah State Epidemiologist.

Measles symptoms typically manifest about a week after infection, with common signs including high fever, cough, and a distinctive rash that can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The CDC reports that as of September 30, 2025, there have been 1,544 confirmed measles cases across the United States.

With vaccination rates declining among kindergarteners in Utah since 2014, health authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for further outbreaks. Amelia Salmanson, a measles epidemiologist with the DHHS, urges anyone feeling ill to remain at home and notify healthcare providers in advance to mitigate further spread.

As this outbreak develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed and prioritize vaccination to protect themselves and their communities. The situation remains fluid, and health officials will continue to monitor and report on any new cases.

Stay tuned for updates as we continue to track this urgent health crisis in Utah.