Sign in Subscribe
Measles

Measles Outbreak in Utah: Understanding the Risks and Misinformation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Measles cases have been appearing in Utah, prompting state health officials to urge residents to be vigilant and get vaccinated. However, misinformation about measles is spreading, with some false claims being repeated by top federal health officials. According to the CDC, vaccines are 97% effective at preventing measles and are recommended for children and adults. The highly contagious virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and symptoms typically appear one to two weeks after contact with the virus.

Key Takeaways:

  • Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • Vaccines are 97% effective at preventing measles and are recommended for children and adults.
  • Symptoms of measles typically appear one to two weeks after contact with the virus and include high fever, cough, runny nose, rash, and red, watery eyes.
  • Complications from measles can range from ear infections and diarrhea to pneumonia and brain swelling, with kids under 5 being the most at risk.
  • The American Medical Association states that infected people are generally not contagious before symptoms appear.
  • Misinformation about measles is spreading, with some false claims being repeated by top federal health officials.
  • A recent feature in the New York Times describes the frightening symptoms suffered by a Texas family who contracted measles during outbreaks in March.

Statistics:

  • 97% effectiveness of measles vaccines in preventing the virus (CDC)
  • 9 out of 10 people nearby will be infected if they're not protected when one person has measles (CDC)
  • Symptoms of measles typically appear one to two weeks after contact with the virus (American Medical Association)
  • Kids under 5 are the most at risk for complications from measles (CDC)
  • 10 times more likely for an unvaccinated person to get measles compare to a vaccinated person (CDC)

Sources:

  • Axios. (2025, April 23). Measles misinformation amid outbreak sparks concern.
  • ABC News. (2023, March 21). RFK Jr. claims measles treated with vitamin.
  • CDC. (n.d.). Measles and Vaccines.
  • American Medical Association. (n.d.). What doctors wish patients knew about measles.
  • New York Times. (2025, June 22). I Feel Like I've Been Lied To When a Measles Outbreak Hits Home.

Read more