Park City Schools and Summit County Health officials warn of measles risk ahead of school year

A nurse gives a measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccine made by Merck at the Utah County Health Department in Provo, Utah. Photo: George Frey

PARK CITY, Utah — As students prepare to return to the classroom, the Park City School District and the Summit County Health Department are warning families about the heightened risk of measles exposure and the potential for prolonged absences if children are not vaccinated.

Between January and July 2025, 40 states reported measles cases, totaling 1,311 nationwide — the highest number in a single year since 1992, according to the district. Utah has confirmed 11 cases so far this year, including seven in Utah County and four in southwest Utah.

“We know that measles is in Utah, so there obviously is a risk, especially if people are unvaccinated,” said Brianna Jones, public health nurse and vaccine coordinator for the Summit County Health Department. While no cases have been reported in Summit County, Jones said the risk is always present because measles is circulating in the state.

Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings or breathes. Health officials say that if one person has measles, up to nine out of 10 unvaccinated people nearby will become infected.

The measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective method of prevention. Two doses are about 97% effective at preventing infection. Utah law requires students in kindergarten through 12th grade to provide written proof of receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine to attend school.

If a measles case is confirmed in a local school, families would typically be notified by the district. Students without immunity would be excluded from school and all school-based activities for at least 21 days after the last known positive case — a timeframe that can be extended if new cases are identified. “It can be draining on resources if parents need to work, find a babysitter, or stay home with their child,” Jones said. “We definitely want to encourage vaccination and know the risks around you.”

Measles can be dangerous for unvaccinated children, Jones said, noting that the illness can cause pneumonia, encephalitis and seizures. “A lot of people think of measles as just a rash,” she said. “But there are big complications that some people can get. Kids used to die all the time from pneumonia from measles, and encephalitis can also lead to seizures. It can have very serious complications, and that’s why we want to keep measles away.”

Vaccinations are available through local doctors, pharmacies and the Summit County Health Department, which offers doses for both insured and uninsured patients. “We take several insurances, but we can also help those who are uninsured,” Jones said. “Depending on if they qualify, it can be low to no cost to get that vaccine at the health department.”

Jones said listening to parents’ concerns is key in addressing vaccine hesitancy. “We want to make you feel comfortable getting this immunization by giving information from a reputable source,” she said.

Herd immunity is another critical factor. “It not only protects your kids, it protects those who can’t or do not get vaccinated,” Jones said. “Natural infection or immunization are the only ways to acquire immunity. About 95% of the population would need to be vaccinated against measles to reach herd immunity, and we’re not there.”

Parents can contact the Summit County Health Department at 435-333-1500 or visit summitcountyhealth.org for more information.