Utah Students Exposed to Measles at Highland High School and Cycling Event in February 2025

Over 2,000 people may have been exposed to measles at a Utah cycling event, and thousands more at Highland High School. This is part of Utah's worst measles outbreak in over 30 years.
By Newsroom | Health, Utah |

Thousands of Utah students may have been exposed to measles over a period of up to a week while attending school, according to recent health advisories. This situation arises as the state grapples with a significant surge in measles cases, reaching levels not seen in over three decades. Health officials are working to identify and notify potentially exposed individuals, emphasizing the high transmissibility of the virus, particularly among those unvaccinated.

Measles Spread in Utah Schools and Public Gatherings

Health authorities in Salt Lake County issued a warning regarding a potential measles exposure event at Highland High School. An infected student reportedly attended classes while infectious from February 6th and then again throughout the week of February 9th through February 13th. This occurred despite the student having not received both recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.

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This incident is part of a broader measles resurgence in Utah. Separately, a Utah High School Cycling League event held at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center in Midway may have exposed over 2,000 people. While some officials stated that participants from Wasatch County School District were not in attendance, the event drew individuals from Utah County and southern Utah.

Urgent warning as thousands of Utah students may have been exposed to measles for a WEEK - 1

Evidence of Measles Transmission and Public Health Response

The Salt Lake County Health Department has been actively tracking measles cases and exposures. In the Highland High School incident, officials advised unvaccinated students to closely monitor for symptoms. The state's overall measles situation is concerning, with Utah reaching 300 reported cases, a significant number of which, 255, were among unvaccinated individuals.

Wastewater samples collected in Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Southwest Utah have also shown the presence of the measles virus, indicating ongoing community transmission.

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Measles Outbreak Scale and Impact

Utah has experienced its highest number of measles cases in over 30 years. Health officials estimate that if 20 unvaccinated or previously unexposed individuals were to come into contact with the virus, approximately 18 of them would contract measles. This underscores the ease with which the virus spreads.

Urgent warning as thousands of Utah students may have been exposed to measles for a WEEK - 2

  • Vaccination Rates and Exemptions: Nationwide, 92.5 percent of kindergartners are fully vaccinated against measles, but 3.6 percent have an exemption. This data point is relevant when considering the risk of infection for individuals who have not completed their vaccination schedule.

  • Vulnerable Populations: Complications from measles can pose serious threats to vulnerable groups, including infants and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Regional Measles Activity

The measles outbreak is not confined to a single area within Utah. Health districts across the state have reported cases:

Health DistrictConfirmed Cases
Southwest Utah14
Utah County7
Southeast Utah1

The Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has provided public advisories detailing potential exposure locations and dates in areas like St. George, including specific dates and times for various public places such as schools, medical facilities, and retail stores, along with "last day of symptom watch" timelines.

Expert Perspectives on Measles

Utah epidemiologist Dr. Leisha Nolen has emphasized the highly contagious nature of measles, noting its ability to spread easily, even outdoors. She highlighted that even with a high vaccination rate nationally, pockets of unvaccinated individuals create opportunities for the virus to spread.

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Urgent warning as thousands of Utah students may have been exposed to measles for a WEEK - 3

"If 20 people who were unvaccinated or never had measles were to be exposed, 18 of them would come down with measles," Nolen stated, underscoring the significant risk of infection for those without immunity.

She further commented on the concerning trend: "It’s concerning, she said, because Utah hasn’t had this many measles cases in more than 30 years."

Conclusion and Public Health Imperatives

The recurring measles exposures in Utah schools and public events, coupled with the overall rise in cases, present a significant public health challenge. The evidence indicates widespread community transmission and a heightened risk for unvaccinated individuals.

  • Contact Tracing: Health officials deem contact tracing crucial for controlling the spread of measles.

  • Vaccination: The data points to a strong correlation between vaccination status and infection risk, emphasizing the importance of immunization.

  • Awareness: Public health advisories, such as those detailing exposure sites and symptom monitoring periods, are vital for informing and protecting the population.

The ongoing response involves identifying individuals at risk, providing guidance on symptom monitoring, and reinforcing the benefits of vaccination to mitigate further outbreaks.

Primary Sources and Context

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who was potentially exposed to measles in Utah in February 2025?
Thousands of students at Highland High School in Salt Lake County were potentially exposed between February 6th and February 13th. Additionally, over 2,000 people may have been exposed at a Utah High School Cycling League event at Soldier Hollow Nordic Center.
Q: Why is this measles exposure happening in Utah?
Utah is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in over 30 years, with 300 reported cases, many among unvaccinated individuals. The virus is highly contagious and spreads easily, especially in schools and public gatherings.
Q: What should people do if they were exposed to measles in Utah?
Health officials advise unvaccinated individuals who may have been exposed to monitor closely for symptoms like fever, cough, runny nose, and rash. It is important to contact a healthcare provider if symptoms appear, especially if unvaccinated.
Q: How many measles cases are there in Utah?
As of the reports, Utah has reached 300 reported measles cases, with 255 of those cases being among unvaccinated individuals. This is the highest number of cases in the state in over three decades.
Q: Where else in Utah has measles been found?
Measles virus has been detected in wastewater samples from Salt Lake County, Utah County, and Southwest Utah, indicating community spread. Specific exposure sites have also been listed by the Utah Department of Health and Human Services in areas like St. George.