Measles Outbreak Reaches 1,723 U.S. Cases as Utah Confirms First Central District Infections

Overview

• CDC data show 1,723 measles cases across 42 states this year, a 33-year high, and indicate the U.S. could lose elimination status in about two months if spread continues.
• Central Utah Health Department confirmed two infections in unvaccinated residents, bringing the state total to 84, and advised exposed people to monitor for symptoms for 21 days and seek vaccination.
• Utah health officials identified St. George Regional Medical Center and other major facilities as exposure sites and said hospitals are screening arrivals, escorting symptomatic patients, and urging telehealth or calling ahead.
• CDC experts have tied over 100 cases since August to the Hildale–Colorado City area on the Utah–Arizona border, with recent spread connected to first cases in Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
• Vaccination rates in key hotspots remain far below the 95% threshold—78.4% in northwestern Mohave County, Arizona, and 80.7% in southwest Utah—while investigators report missed exposure links and three U.S. deaths this year.