UTAH, June 24, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) -- The Utah Department of Health and Human Services has announced a second and third case of the measles virus, which seem unrelated to the first case, announced last week.
"They are unvaccinated and not linked to each other or the person diagnosed with measles who was reported last week.
"These individuals are adults from different parts of the state. One person is a Utah County resident; the other is from the southwest health district. Public health investigations are ongoing to identify any locations where possible exposures may have occurred."
The first case was also reported in Utah County, a previous statement says. All three cases have been in people who were not vaccinated for the virus. The first case was in someone who had not traveled outside the state recently.
Details on the second and third patient are pending.
For future updates on measles in Utah or to learn more about measles, visit https://epi.utah.gov/measles-
Measles symptoms usually appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. People who have a high fever (higher than 102.2°F or 39°C) and a cough, runny nose, or red eyes may have early stages of measles. A rash typically appears after four days of fever.
If you have been exposed to measles and develop symptoms, you should stay away from others and call your healthcare provider. Call first before you go to a clinic or hospital to prevent other people from exposure.
A large majority of Utahns (more than 90%) have been vaccinated against measles and are highly protected against infection, the news release says.
"Infants younger than age 1 are not generally eligible for the vaccine. These infants are at higher risk of severe disease. If you have an infant younger than age 1 you can talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns and next steps. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women, and people who have weakened immune systems.
The most effective prevention against the measles is vaccination. Public health in Utah wants to reassure the community that immediate action is being taken to contain the situation.  The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is 97% effective against measles when the person gets two doses.
Symptoms of measles can include:
- Rash (Measles rash usually begins as flat red spots on the face at the hairline. The spots then spread down to the neck, belly, arms, legs, and feet.)
- High fever (may get higher than 104°F or 40°C).
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- Tiny white spots in the mouth (Koplik spots)
Complications from the measles can include:
- Pneumonia (a serious lung infection)
- Hospitalization
- Encephalitis or brain swelling (can cause cognitive disability, deafness, and seizures)
- Complications during pregnancy, such as the risk of premature labor (having your baby early), miscarriage, and your baby having a low birth weight
- Seizures
- Weakened immune system that can last weeks to years (increases the risk of bacterial infection and infection from other diseases)
- Death
