Measles Cases Rise to 602 in Utah

We can work together to stop this

Salt Lake City—Measles cases continue to rise and patients are in every part of Utah. As of April 14, 2026, 602 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.
  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. To learn more about measles in Utah, visit https://epi.utah.gov/measles-response/.