SOUTHERN UTAH — Utah health officials transitioned from attempting to contain the measles outbreak to mitigation. Measles cases were detected in every health jurisdiction in Utah and in northern Arizona by March.

More than 950 individuals tested positive for measles in the state and Arizona since August. The U.S. recorded over 2,000 measles cases last year, the highest annual total since 1992. The U.S. surpassed 2,000 measles cases within the first six months of 2026.

"The outbreak hit a point where you no longer have control over it." State epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said. Measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. approximately 25 years ago. Measles can cause brain damage, deafness, or death in newborns.

Pediatrician Ben Dowse examined a newborn who was exposed to measles in the womb. Dowse wore a full-body protective suit with a plastic face mask during the examination. "I went in looking like a scientist in E.T." Dowse said. The newborn's parents initially declined an antibody injection but later consented and were discharged from the hospital a few days later. "You can't see it on the surface, but the baby's body is fighting the measles." Dowse said.

Many pediatric patients in the region are too young for measles vaccines or have parents who decline immunization. Hospital pediatrician Nathan Money stated, "I wish that people could see what I see." Money added, "This train is going in the wrong direction, and it can feel like a helpless situation, because we're just not seeing the public messaging and leadership that's needed to turn this around."

In Hildale, 30% of kindergartners at the main school are considered adequately immunized according to state health department standards. The state allows parents to claim personal, religious, or medical exemptions from childhood vaccine requirements. Many residents of Hildale and surrounding towns are affiliated with the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. A shop in Hildale sells oral drops claiming to detoxify vaccines; product ingredients include water, glycerin, and whole grain alcohol. One of these products is named Vxx-Dtx.