News Summary
Arizona is experiencing a major measles outbreak, particularly in Mohave County, with 123 confirmed cases linked to Colorado City and Hildale. Vaccination rates in these areas are notably low, contributing to the spread of the disease. The outbreak has raised concerns as cases emerge in surrounding towns, highlighting the urgent need for increased vaccination efforts to combat the ongoing crisis and protect community health.
Arizona is currently facing a significant measles outbreak concentrated in Mohave County, marking the second-largest outbreak in the United States this year. As of Wednesday, health officials have confirmed a total of 123 measles cases that are linked to a community of twin towns: Colorado City, Arizona, and Hildale, Utah.
Recent reports indicate that additional cases have emerged in surrounding towns, including Hurricane and St. George, Utah, primarily within hospital and urgent care settings. This raises concerns about the outbreak expanding beyond the initial cluster. Residents of Colorado City and Hildale frequently cross state lines for work, worship, and daily activities, contributing to the spread of the disease.
The outbreak’s initial clusters were associated with local schools, but there are now indications of community transmission. It has also extended to areas like Iron County, located just north of the current outbreak zone, which includes popular tourist destinations in southwest Utah, such as Zion National Park.
Vaccination rates in the affected counties are alarmingly low, falling significantly below the 95% threshold necessary for herd immunity. Specifically, Iron County reports a vaccination rate of 82.4%, Washington County has 79.2%, and Mohave County stands at 78.4%. The majority of measles cases thus far have been observed among unvaccinated school-age children, with five out of six measles-related hospitalizations in Utah concentrated in the outbreak center.
Data from a national investigation reveals that 77% of U.S. counties have experienced notable declines in childhood vaccination rates. This trend is reflected in the increasing percentage of kindergarteners with vaccination exemptions, which rose to 4.1% for the 2024-25 school year, marking a record high. Most of these exemptions are classified as nonmedical, often based on personal or religious preferences.
As of the latest counts, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded a total of 1,618 measles cases across 42 states, the highest number in the United States in 33 years. The outbreak in Arizona and Utah began in Colorado City, which has historical ties to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
In Washington County, there has been a spike in cases, increasing from 7 to 30 since late August. Meanwhile, in Mohave County, cases rose from 9 to 48 during the same timeframe, with all reported cases involving unvaccinated individuals. Measles is known for being highly contagious and can lead to severe complications, including blindness, deafness, and brain inflammation.
Public health experts emphasize the importance of vaccinations, noting that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97% effectiveness against measles. Amid ongoing controversy and misinformation regarding vaccines, vaccination rates may decline further. As of September 2025, Arizona has recorded 52 measles cases, the highest in 34 years.
Public health agencies are actively engaged in efforts to prevent further spread of the disease and are urging community members to get vaccinated. The urgency of these measures highlights the critical need for increased awareness and action to combat not just this outbreak, but to bolster overall immunization rates within the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- New York Times: Measles Cases in Utah and Arizona
- Wikipedia: Measles
- NBC News: Measles Outbreak in Utah and Arizona
- Google Search: Measles outbreak Utah Arizona
- AZ Central: Arizona Measles Outbreak
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Measles
- USA Today: Measles Cases in the United States
- Google News: Measles outbreak Utah Arizona
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
