Utah Measles Cases Rise; DHHS Urges Vaccination

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Salt Lake City—Measles cases continue to rise and patients have now been found in every part of Utah. This includes recent exposures linked to a large multi-county wrestling tournament held in late January. Smaller transmission events have also increased in frequency. As of March 3, 2026, 358 Utahns have been diagnosed with measles since the outbreak began in June 2025.

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) wants to remind everyone that the best way to protect yourself and those around you from measles is the MMR vaccine. The MMR vaccine is 97% effective after two doses. It is safe and well-researched. In the rare cases where someone gets measles who has been vaccinated, there is a reduced risk of severe complications like pneumonia or brain infections.

Measles is highly contagious and can spread even before a person feels sick. Anyone who is unvaccinated is at high risk of getting measles. Those most at risk of serious illness from measles include pregnant women, children younger than age 5, and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure and often look like a common cold at first.
Early signs: High fever (over 102.2°F), cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
Later signs: A characteristic rash typically starts on the face and spreads down the body about four days after the fever begins. Many people become very sick  and require medical care, including hospitalization.

“Many times, the first measles symptoms look a lot like a cold or flu, but people often go on to get severely ill,” said Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist. “At the beginning you may think you just have a common respiratory illness and continue your normal activities. This can put other people at risk. We are asking everyone, especially those who are not vaccinated against measles, to stay home if you have any signs of illness.”

Amanda Jocelyn, a nurse practitioner in southern Utah, has recently had experience with measles patients. She says, “I am shocked by how sick people with measles are. These patients don’t just have a common cold or a mild virus. They are very, very sick and don’t get over it quickly.”

Monitor your health for 21 days if you’ve been exposed to measles.
Important: If you think you have measles, call your doctor before you visit a clinic or hospital. This allows healthcare providers to prepare for your arrival and prevents other patients from being exposed.
It’s also important to stay home if you have symptoms to prevent from spreading it to others.

Most Utahns (more than 90%) are vaccinated and highly protected. You are generally considered immune if:
You were born before 1957.
You have previously had a lab-confirmed case of measles.
You have received two doses of MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine.

Check your immunization and medical records or talk to a healthcare provider to see whether you are protected from the measles. 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 /.