Several people were either exposed to or infected with measles at a Utah High School Cycling League event in August at Soldier Hollow in Midway, state health officials say.
The cycling event took place on Aug. 16, with about 2,000 people in attendance, according to a news release from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. It states that officials are still monitoring for more measles cases connected to this event and other events from the cycling league.
Dr. Leisha Nolen, state epidemiologist for Utah, said measles is highly contagious and spreads quickly even at outdoor events. “Given the number of people who may have been exposed to measles at Soldier Hollow on Aug. 16, 2025, we encourage attendees and participants of upcoming Utah High School Cycling League Region 6 events to check their MMR vaccination status,” she said.
Utah’s public health officials are working with the cycling league to inform families of race participants about the exposure and prevent the spread at upcoming events, according to Tuesday’s statement.
As of Monday, the health department reports 22 Utah residents have been diagnosed with measles this year, including:
- 7 in Utah County
- 14 in southwest Utah
- 1 in southeast Utah
The health department’s statement said people who have received the MMR vaccine are well protected from measles. Two doses are recommended for anyone over age 4.
Measles symptoms usually begin one to two weeks after exposure, so those exposed at the Aug. 16 cycling event who contracted measles should have already encountered symptoms. Symptoms begin with a fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. Later, a rash could appear, and the fever spikes.
The health department advises anyone who suspects they have measles to call their provider before seeking treatment, in order to prevent exposure to others.
The cycling event is not currently listed as an exposure location on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services website, which lists exposures still in the symptom watch period at Water Canyon High School in Hildale, Washington County, and the Cedar Ridge Urgent Care in Cedar City.
The Arizona Department of Health Services reports the state is currently experiencing an outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border. It is reporting 24 cases this year in Mohave County, which is south of St. George and Zion National Park.
On Aug. 19, Mohave County encouraged residents of Colorado City, which is just across the Utah boarder from Hildale, to be informed about measles and the potential dangers and take precautions to reduce the risk of infection.