Utah News Dispatch
Utah health officials warn of measles exposure at large cycling event
Measles symptoms include a mild to moderate fever with a cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Days later, the fever typically spikes, and is followed by a blotchy, red rash. (iStock/Getty Images Plus)
Utah health officials are warning of a possible mass measles exposure at a large cycling event last month where several infections have since been confirmed.
Several people were exposed to and infected with measles after attending a Utah High School Cycling League event at Soldier Hollow on Aug. 16, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services said in a news release issued Monday.
About 2,000 people attended that event. Health officials said they’re monitoring for any additional cases from that event and other league gatherings.
“Measles is highly contagious and spreads easily, even at outdoor events,” state epidemiologist Leisha Nolen said in a prepared statement. “Given the number of people who may have been exposed to measles at Soldier Hollow on August 16, 2025, we encourage attendees and participants of upcoming Utah High School Cycling League Region 6 events to check their (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccination status.”
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State health officials said they’re working with the Utah High School Cycling League to inform families of race participants who attended the event at Soldier Hollow about the measles exposure.
“We are also working collaboratively to help prevent spread at ongoing practices and upcoming events,” state health officials said.
Utah’s measles outbreak continues to grow, with 24 confirmed cases as of Monday, according to the state’s 2025 measles dashboard. Fourteen of those cases have been confirmed in southwest Utah.
The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine helps protect people from measles, and it’s one of the most safe and effective tools to control the spread of the viral infection. Two doses are recommended for children ages 4 and older.
Of Utah’s 24 confirmed cases so far, 21 were not vaccinated, according to the state’s dashboard. Eleven are younger than 18 years old, while 11 are older.
Measles symptoms usually begin to surface one to two weeks after exposure, health officials said. Symptoms include a mild to moderate fever with a cough, runny nose, and red watery eyes. Days later, the fever typically spikes, and is followed by a blotchy, red rash that can appear red or darker than usual skin tone around the face, hairline and ears. The rash then rapidly spreads downward to the rest of the body.
“If you develop symptoms, you should stay away from other people and call your healthcare provider,” state officials said. “Call first before you go to a clinic or hospital to prevent other people from exposure.”
