Measles in Utah: What Parents Need to Know
As of late June 2025, measles cases have been officially reported in Utah. While this disease was once considered eliminated in the U.S., it is making a comeback due to international travel and pockets of under-vaccination. At Healing Arts Pediatrics and Bee Home Pediatrics, we know that news like this can feel overwhelming—especially for families with young children, pregnant parents, or immunocompromised loved ones. Our goal is to equip you with clear, science-backed guidance on how to protect your family and navigate this moment with calm and confidence.
What Is Measles and Why Is It So Serious?
Measles is a highly contagious airborne virus caused by the rubeola virus. It spreads easily when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can linger in the air or on surfaces for up to two hours. If one person has measles, up to 90% of the people close to them who are not immune will also become infected.
While some people recover fully, measles is not a mild illness. It can lead to serious complications such as:
Pneumonia
Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Hospitalization
Hearing loss
Death, particularly in young children or immunocompromised individuals
In fact, before widespread vaccination began in the 1960s, measles caused an estimated 400 to 500 deaths, 48,000 hospitalizations, and 1,000 cases of encephalitis annually in the United States.
What Symptoms Should Parents Watch For?
Measles usually appears in stages over 1 to 2 weeks:
Early symptoms (7–14 days after exposure):
High fever (often > 101°F)
Cough
Runny nose
Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
Next phase:
Small white spots may appear inside the mouth (Koplik spots)
3–5 days after initial symptoms:
A widespread red rash begins on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body
Fever may spike again, sometimes reaching up to 104°F
If your child develops these symptoms—especially after travel, exposure, or community outbreaks—please call our office before coming in. This allows us to activate airborne precautions and minimize risk to other patients.
Measles and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
For people who are pregnant, measles poses serious risks to both parent and baby. Infection during pregnancy can lead to:
Miscarriage
Premature birth
Low birth weight
Stillbirth
While congenital birth defects aren’t directly caused by measles, the complications from infection (like high fever and systemic inflammation) can have harmful effects on the developing baby.
Pregnant people who contract measles are also at higher risk of pneumonia, a major cause of measles-related mortality.
The best protection during pregnancy is immunity prior to conception. That’s why it’s especially important to:
Check your MMR status before becoming pregnant
Avoid exposure during outbreaks
Encourage immune family members to be up-to-date on their MMR vaccine
How Can I Protect My Family?
Follow AAP and CDC Vaccine Guidelines:
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is safe and highly effective, offering:
93% protection after one dose
97% protection after two doses
Standard vaccination schedule:
First dose: 12–15 months
Second dose: 4–6 years
Early vaccination in special cases:
During outbreaks or international travel, children as young as 6 months can receive an early dose of MMR. This dose does not count toward the two-dose series, but it offers short-term protection for those most vulnerable.
Adults born before 1957 are generally considered immune. Others who are unsure of their vaccination history may need a booster.
Want to Know Your Immunity Status? We Offer MMR Titer Testing
In light of the outbreak, we are offering MMR titer testing for parents and immediate family members at a low cost. This simple blood test measures whether you are already immune to measles—either from prior vaccination or natural exposure.
This is especially helpful for:
Parents of infants under 1 year
Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
Adults unsure of their vaccine status
Anyone planning international travel this summer
Breastfeeding?
Knowing your immunity status matters even more. Mothers who are immune to measles may pass some passive immunity through breastmilk, offering limited but valuable protection to their babies. While breastmilk alone cannot fully prevent infection, it's an important layer of defense—especially for infants too young to be vaccinated.
Airborne Precautions: Please Call Before Coming In
If you or your child have a rash, fever, or any symptoms concerning for measles, do not come directly to the office, urgent care, or ER without calling first. This is not just for your safety, but to protect immunocompromised patients and babies in waiting rooms who cannot yet be vaccinated.
We will guide you through the next steps and arrange for testing or care in a safe, controlled environment.
Travel Precautions for Summer
Summer often brings travel—and with it, increased risk of exposure. Here are ways to stay safe:
Check CDC travel advisories for domestic and international destinations with known measles outbreaks.
Children 6–11 months traveling internationally should receive an early dose of MMR before departure.
Carry vaccine documentation or titer results when traveling, especially if you’re visiting high-risk areas.
Limit time in crowded, enclosed spaces like airports or transit stations if you or your children are not immune.
Wash hands frequently, and encourage mask use when in high-exposure settings.
What If You've Been Exposed to Measles?
If you or your child has been exposed to someone with measles, here’s what the CDC and AAP recommend:
1. Determine your immunity status:
If you’ve had two documented doses of MMR or a positive MMR titer, you are considered immune and do not need any further action.
If you are unvaccinated, unsure of your status, or immunocompromised, call our office right away. Time-sensitive steps can reduce your risk.
2. Post-exposure prophylaxis options (must be given within 72 hours):
MMR vaccine can be given within 72 hours of exposure to reduce the risk of developing disease.
Immune globulin (IG) may be offered to high-risk individuals (infants under 6 months, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals) within 6 days of exposure to help prevent or reduce severity of illness.
3. Monitor for symptoms:
Symptoms can appear 7 to 14 days after exposure, but monitoring should continue for up to 21 days.
Watch for fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and rash.
4. Isolate if needed:
Anyone exposed who is not immune should stay home and avoid public places for 21 days after the last exposure, or until proof of immunity is confirmed.
If symptoms develop, isolate immediately and call us before coming in.
Early action is critical to protecting your household and the community. Please reach out if you think you've been exposed—we’ll help you determine next steps based on your individual risk and timing.
We're Here to Support Your Family
We know navigating vaccine decisions can be complicated, and we are always happy to have open, respectful conversations about your questions or concerns.
Whether you are:
Wondering if your child needs an early MMR dose
Planning to travel and unsure what steps to take
Breastfeeding and want to confirm your immune status
Simply trying to stay informed and ahead of this outbreak
—we’re here to help!
