Mar 20, 2026
3 min read
Utah has become a hotbed of measles cases, accounting for about 1 in 3 cases in the United States.
In 2025, the United States experienced its worst measles outbreak in decades, including the first child death from measles in 20 years.It's 2026, and measles cases seem to be getting worse: 2026 cases have already reached 50% of the 2025 total in two months.Utah has been a hotspot for measles cases, accounting for nearly 1 in 3 of all US cases, with most cases reaching the southwestern states.
The prevalence may be a direct result of declining cancer prevention rates.Improving treatment rates is critical to reversing its spread in our society.New models show that if cancer treatment rates drop by just 10 percent, the United States will have 11 million cancer cases in the next 25 years (an average of 440,000 cases per year).In contrast, if we could increase the rate of treatment by 5%, there would be 5,800 cases over the same period (about 200 cases per year).
Measles is more than a rash and fever.Pneumonia in previously healthy children, brain swelling in intensive care and measles are concerns for families who thought they were gone.The key to measles prevention is protecting children, especially those who are too young or medically vulnerable to fully protect themselves.
As a pediatrician at a hospital in Utah, I want to help keep children safe, healthy and out of the hospital.Below are 10 important questions Utah parents need answered about measles recognition and prevention.
Is measles really so dangerous for children?
Yes.Measles can be very dangerous and even life-threatening, especially in infants.It is highly contagious, and many children who get measles are hospitalized due to complications.Of this number, 1 in 1000 dies.
What are the early signs and symptoms of measles?
The first symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, cough and red eyes.After a few days, a red rash may appear that starts on the head and spreads to the ground.
My child is revealed;When can I see symptoms?
Measles symptoms usually start one to two weeks after infection (longer than most infections).If your child is vaccinated, the chance of getting measles is very low.
How is the measles virus transmitted?
Measles is extremely contagious;it can spread through the air and live for two hours in a room after a person with measles leaves it.A person with measles will spread it to 90% of the unvaccinated people they come into contact with.People with measles should self-quarantine for at least four days after the rash appears.
I think my child has measles, what should I do?
If you suspect your child has measles — especially if they've been exposed recently — you should call your health care provider for guidance.They will help you know where to get tested.This allows you to look for something and avoid spreading it to others.
Call the facility before you go to let them know you plan to come in for testing, and wear a mask to reduce the chance of transmission.A two-day course of oral vitamin A is recommended for children with measles, although it does not prevent it.
My child has measles. What complications should I watch out for?
Two important complications of measles are pneumonia (1 in 20) and swelling of the brain (encephalitis, 1 in 1,000).Many cases of measles can be treated safely at home, but you should seek immediate medical attention if your child has trouble breathing, changes in mental status, or seizures.
When should my child be vaccinated, and how effective is the vaccine?
Measles vaccine is usually given when children are between one and four years old.Because of the recent outbreak in Utah, children 6-12 months old may receive an additional dose to gain earlier protection.If you are interested in this, you can discuss it with your child's doctor.
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective in preventing infection.Only 4% of cases in 2025 were in people who had been vaccinated.If your child has been vaccinated but still gets measles, symptoms may be milder and complications are less likely.If your child has not been vaccinated and you have concerns, please talk with your child's doctor.
What is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SPS)?
SSPE is a serious complication that can occur years after infection.About one in 600 children who have measles have a complication, which is usually fatal, as happened to a Los Angeles teenager who died of SSPE last year.
Is the MMR vaccine linked to autism?
Not now. Several large studies have been conducted to investigate this and have found no increased risk of autism in vaccinated children.
How do the complications of the MMR vaccine compare to measles?
The table below describes the complications and incidence rates associated with measles and MMR vaccinations.The MMR vaccine has some side effects, but these are minimal compared to potential measles complications.
|Estimated risks of MMR vaccine compared to the risk of measles complications ||
|MMR vaccine side effects |complications of measles |
Fever, rashes |Hospital care |
abuh lymph nodes |Pneumonia |
Joint pain |Swelling of the brain (encephalitis |
A fever attackDeath
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) ||
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)។
I hope that through public awareness, timely prevention and public health measures, we can stop the spread of measles in our state and protect the children and vulnerable among us.
