The Four Corners Crisis: A Regional Measles Outbreak
An examination of the measles outbreak that spread across the Southwest, affecting Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.
The Southwest measles outbreak of 2025, often referred to as the "Four Corners Crisis," was a complex, multi-state event that highlighted the unique public health challenges in a region marked by vast distances, sovereign tribal nations, and diverse communities. The outbreak resulted in 215 cases across Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, with the majority of cases linked to a single transmission chain that originated in Arizona. According to the CDC, this outbreak was notable for its rapid spread across state lines and its significant impact on Native American communities, particularly the Navajo Nation. The crisis underscored the need for robust, cross-jurisdictional public health collaboration and culturally competent outreach.
In-Depth Articles
- The Four Corners Crisis: A Perfect Storm of Geography and Vaccine Hesitancy
- Cultural Crossroads: Public Health and Tribal Sovereignty in the Measles Fight
- The Cold Chain Challenge: Vaccinating the Vast Expanse of the Southwest
- Tourism and Transmission: How Spring Break Fueled the Fire
- The Phoenix Cluster: An Urban Outbreak Story
- Data and Disparities: The Socioeconomic Story of the Outbreak
- Lessons from the Field: Innovations in Outbreak Response
- The Aftermath: Rebuilding Trust and Immunity in the Southwest
- The Borderlands Paradox: Measles in a Binational Region
- Healing and Trust: Addressing Historical Trauma in the Measles Response