Measles: Understanding the Disease and Vaccination Recommendations
Measles Symptoms
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease characterized by symptoms such as:
- high fever
- cough and runny nose
- red eyes
- a distinctive red rash that typically starts on the face and spreads downward.
Complications include ear infections, diarrhea, pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and, in severe cases, death.
Transmission
The measles virus spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can remain infectious in the air for up to two hours after the infected person has left an area. Measles is so contagious that approximately 90% of non-immune individuals exposed to an infected person will also become infected.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
The MMR vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles, mumps, and rubella. It contains live, attenuated (weakened) viruses that stimulate the immune system to protect against these diseases.
Effectiveness
- One Dose: Approximately 93% effective at preventing measles.
- Two Doses: Approximately 97% effective at preventing measles.
Vaccination Recommendations
- Children: The first dose is recommended at 12–15 months of age, and the second dose at 4–6 years of age.
- Adults Born Before 1957: Generally considered immune due to likely exposure to the virus before the vaccine became available. An exception is made for healthcare workers who should receive the vaccine.
- Adults Vaccinated Between 1963–1967: Individuals who received the inactivated (killed) measles vaccine during this period should be revaccinated with at least one dose of the live attenuated measles vaccine, as the inactivated vaccine was found to be ineffective.
Find instructions on how to access immunization records here.
Park City
650 Round Valley Drive
Park City, UT 84060
- Office: 435-333-1500
- Clinic Hours: M - Th, 8 am - 6 pm
Coalville
85 North 50 East
Coalville, UT 84017
- Office: 435-336-3234
- Clinic Hours: M - Th, 8 am - 6 pm
Kamas
110 N Main
Kamas, UT 84036
- Office: 435-783-3161
- Clinic Hours: M - Th, 8 am - 6 pm
National & Local Updates
A measles outbreak (the Panhandle Outbreak) started in January and is ongoing in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Nearly all of these cases are among unvaccinated individuals and over 70% are children.
- Panhandle Outbreak Case Count as of May 8: 834 (22 new cases since last week)
- Reported Deaths: 4 (2 unvaccinated children, 2 unvaccinated adults)
- Non-Panhandle Outbreak Case Count: 168 cases across 31 other states & Washington D.C.
Nearly all non-Panhandle cases are among unvaccinated individuals who had recently reported international travel to areas with known measles spread.
Additionally, Canada and Mexico are seeing measles outbreaks related to the Southwest outbreak.
- Canada: 1,177 cases
- Mexico: est. 421 cases & 1 death in an unvaccinated adult (linked to the Panhandle outbreak).
Why this matters: In the U.S. there have been 1,002 reported cases of measles since the start of 2025. This is the 2nd highest case count since measles was declared eliminated in 2000 in the US (see graph below). It won’t be much longer until 2025 reports the largest number of measles cases since 1992.
Guidance for the Summit County Community
Given the recent outbreak, we urge all community members to:
- Verify Vaccination Status: Ensure you and your family members are up-to-date with the MMR vaccine.
- Consult Healthcare Providers: If you are unsure about your vaccination status or need to be revaccinated, especially if you were vaccinated between 1963 and 1967, consult your healthcare provider or give us a call at the health department at 435-333-1500.
- Stay Informed: Follow updates from reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local health department.
Visit the CDC’s measles vaccination page for more detailed information on measles and vaccination recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/mmr/public/index.html
Ensuring high vaccination coverage is crucial to protect our community from measles outbreaks. We encourage everyone to take the necessary steps to safeguard their health and the health of those around the
