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Utah reports nearly 700 measles cases since outbreak began, threatens elimination status

KUTV • June 16, 2026 • health

Key Points:

Utah has reported nearly 700 measles cases since the outbreak began, with 482 new cases in 2026, ranking second highest in the U.S. after South Carolina.
Declining vaccination rates, particularly in southwest Utah where less than 80% of kindergartners are immunized, have contributed to the spread, threatening the U.S.'s measles elimination status.
Vaccine exemption rates in Utah have nearly tripled since 2020, with 11.9% of kindergarteners statewide exempt, and 27.1% exempt in southwest Utah, primarily for personal reasons.
States without nonmedical vaccine exemptions, such as New York and California, report significantly fewer measles cases, highlighting the impact of exemption policies on outbreak control.
Health officials emphasize education and mitigation efforts but acknowledge that vaccine decisions ultimately depend on personal choice and policy decisions by elected officials.

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