Measles Outbreak Spreads Along Arizona-Utah Border

Strategic Insights -

A large measles outbreak is occurring along the Arizona-Utah border, with dozens of confirmed cases among unvaccinated children. The Southwest Utah Public Health Department has reported 27 cases, nearly all in unvaccinated school-age children, while neighboring Mohave County, Arizona, has 42 confirmed cases, including one child who has been hospitalized. Experts attribute the outbreak to low vaccination rates, particularly in Washington County, Utah, where only about 79% of kindergartners are protected against measles.

Key Takeaways:

  • The outbreak has resulted in 27 confirmed cases in Southwest Utah and 42 confirmed cases in Mohave County, Arizona.
  • Nearly all cases in Southwest Utah are among unvaccinated school-age children.
  • Washington County, Utah, has a vaccination rate of about 79% for kindergartners, far below the 95% level needed for herd immunity.
  • At one school in Mohave County, only 7.7% of kindergartners were vaccinated last school year.
  • Measles is one of the world's most contagious viruses, with symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, and rash.
  • The infection can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling, and even death.
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has logged 1,514 cases and 40 outbreaks of measles so far in 2025.
  • Dr. Bob England, a former Arizona public health official, stated that low vaccination rates make it "almost inevitable" to see outbreaks of measles.
  • Federal health leaders, including Jim O'Neill, acting CDC director, are urging families to get vaccinated, citing the importance of community immunity.

Statistics:

  • 1,514 cases and 40 outbreaks of measles have been logged by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2025.
  • 27 confirmed cases have been reported in Southwest Utah.
  • 42 confirmed cases have been reported in Mohave County, Arizona.
  • 79% of kindergartners in Washington County, Utah, are protected against measles.
  • 7.7% of kindergartners at one school in Mohave County were vaccinated last school year.

Sources:

  • NBC News, Sept. 22, 2025
  • Mayo Clinic
  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)