Trending Now - Measles Outbreak Expands in Colorado and Utah, Officials Warn
WHO:
Dr. Leisha Nolen, Utah state epidemiologist, Utah Department of Health and Human Services
Amanda Jocelyn, nurse practitioner in southern Utah
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
WHAT:
Utah has reported 358 confirmed cases of measles since June 2025.
Over 120 individuals have been hospitalized in Utah due to measles.
31 individuals required overnight hospital care, and 3 were placed in intensive care units.
In Colorado, there are 4 confirmed cases of measles in 2026.
Colorado recorded 36 measles cases in 2025, a significant increase compared to previous years (0-2 cases annually over the past decade).
Symptoms of measles can take up to three weeks to appear and include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes.
The MMR vaccine is reported to be 97% effective after two doses.
WHERE:
Utah:
Major areas affected include southwest Utah (203 cases), Utah County (50 cases), Salt Lake County (44 cases), central Utah (23 cases), and Wasatch County (9 cases).
Colorado:
Exposure sites include Broomfield Heights Middle School, Broomfield High School, King Soopers, Broomfield Community Center, Petsmart Walnut Creek, Efrains Mexican Restaurant, Advanced Urgent Care, UCHealth Broomfield Hospital Emergency Department, CU Medicine Family Medicine Clinic, Chick-fil-A, and Chipotle.
WHEN:
The measles outbreak in Utah began in June 2025.
Recent exposures in Utah occurred during large school events in January and February 2026.
Specific exposure dates in Colorado include:
Broomfield Heights Middle School: February 17-19, 2026
Broomfield High School: February 19-20 and February 23-27, 2026
King Soopers: February 19 and 21, 2026
Other exposure dates range from February 19 to February 26, 2026.
Symptoms for those exposed in Colorado could appear through March 12-20, 2026.
WHY:
The outbreak is attributed to a significant number of unvaccinated individuals, with around 90% of Utah's population vaccinated, but 8-10% of cases are among vaccinated individuals.
Public health officials emphasize the importance of vaccination to prevent the spread of measles.
HOW:
Public health officials are urging vaccination and preventive measures for those exposed to the virus, including staying out of public spaces and contacting healthcare providers.
Utah has reported a concerning 358 confirmed cases of measles since June 2025, with over 120 individuals hospitalized, including three who required intensive care. In Colorado, there are currently four confirmed cases in 2026, following a significant rise in 2025 when the state recorded 36 cases, a stark increase from the usual one or two cases per year over the past decade. Public health officials are urging vaccination and preventive measures for those exposed, as symptoms can take up to three weeks to appear, and they stress the importance of the MMR vaccine, which is 97% effective after two doses.