Summit County confirms first measles case tied to national outbreak

A University of Utah health clinic with a sign warning of measles is pictured in Salt Lake City on June 30, 2025. Photo: McKenzie Romero/Utah News Dispatch

Student attended South Summit Elementary while infectious; health officials urge vaccination

SUMMIT COUNTY, Utah — Summit County Health Department officials have confirmed the county’s first measles case connected to the current nationwide outbreak.

The case involves a student in the South Summit School District, according to health officials. The department confirmed that the student attended school and school-related activities while infectious, and potential exposure may have occurred during school hours at South Summit Elementary School on Jan. 5.

Summit County Health is working closely with the South Summit School District to notify families, students, and staff who may have been exposed and to provide guidance on monitoring symptoms and preventing further spread.

“Our staff and school district partners have taken proactive measures for months to plan and prepare for our first measles case,” said Summit County Health Director Dr. Phil Bondurant. “We encourage residents and their family members who are not already vaccinated against measles to consider the MMR vaccine, which is the most effective way to protect against measles.”

Measles spreads easily through the air and can remain airborne for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a space. Health officials say people who are not immune have about a 90% chance of contracting the virus if they are near someone who is infected. The virus can also be spread before a person realizes they are sick.

Residents experiencing symptoms — particularly those who are unvaccinated or believe they may have been exposed — are urged to contact a healthcare provider by phone or telehealth before visiting a clinic, urgent care, or emergency room to avoid exposing others.

Symptoms typically begin 7 to 14 days after exposure and may include:

• High fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that starts as flat red spots on the face and spreads downward

Unvaccinated individuals, including children too young to receive the vaccine, face a higher risk of severe illness. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people who contract measles require hospitalization. Young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to complications.

Health officials emphasize that the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective and widely available at local pharmacies, medical offices and Summit County Health immunization clinics. Two doses of the vaccine prevent more than 97% of measles infections. In rare cases where vaccinated individuals do contract measles, symptoms are typically milder and the illness is shorter.

More information and updates on measles in Utah are available at epi.utah.gov/measles-response.