Utah Measles Outbreak Remains Stubbornly Active After 10 Months

State epidemiologist says Utah has the most active measles outbreak in the U.S. with no end in sight

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:07am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image showing the intricate internal structure of a measles virus particle, conveying the scientific complexity and danger of this ongoing outbreak.An X-ray view of the measles virus reveals the complex internal structure behind this highly contagious disease that continues to spread in Utah.Salt Lake City Today

Utah reported the first case of its current measles outbreak 10 months ago, and the outbreak has become the most active in the U.S., with 121 cases being diagnosed in the last three weeks. The state epidemiologist says the outbreak is continuing to spread in communities in ways that can no longer be easily identified and contained, making it difficult to control.

Why it matters

Measles is a highly contagious disease that can lead to serious complications, especially for unvaccinated individuals. The prolonged and widespread nature of Utah's outbreak raises concerns about the potential for further spread and harm, particularly to vulnerable populations like young infants who cannot be vaccinated.

The details

According to state epidemiologist Leisha Nolen, Utah's measles outbreak is unique compared to other states because it has been spreading in communities in ways that can no longer be easily identified and contained. Unlike in South Carolina where the outbreak was more confined to a specific close-knit community, the Utah outbreak has involved a lot of travel in and out of affected areas and less interest in testing and vaccination among some communities.

  • Utah reported the first case of its current measles outbreak in June 2025.
  • In the last three weeks, 121 new measles cases have been diagnosed in Utah.

The players

Leisha Nolen

Utah state epidemiologist who says Utah has the most active measles outbreak in the country.

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What they’re saying

“Right now, Utah is the state that's really had the longest period of transmission and who's continuing to see people get infected with measles.”

— Leisha Nolen, Utah state epidemiologist

“We also know in that here in Utah, there's a fair number of people who are infected who haven't come forward, who haven't been tested, and so therefore, we can't work with them to make sure they don't expose other people, so this together means that it does just keep on spreading in our state.”

— Leisha Nolen, Utah state epidemiologist

What’s next

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services is looking to work with communities to find the best way to protect them and understand their concerns about vaccination. They are also encouraging parents to talk to their doctors about getting the measles vaccine for their babies as early as 6 months old.

The takeaway

This prolonged and widespread measles outbreak in Utah highlights the ongoing challenges in containing highly contagious diseases, especially when vaccination rates are not high enough to provide herd immunity. Public health officials are shifting their focus to minimizing harm and protecting vulnerable populations as the outbreak continues to spread.