In a remote corner of the American Southwest, the twin towns of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona—known collectively as Short Creek—are grappling with a significant public health challenge. This small community, historically linked to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and its notorious leader Warren Jeffs, now faces the nation’s second-largest measles outbreak.
Once dominated by the FLDS and its polygamist practices, Short Creek is undergoing a transformation. The former residence of Warren Jeffs has been repurposed into the Short Creek Dream Center, a sanctuary for victims of domestic abuse, substance recovery, and homelessness. Despite these positive changes, the area is making headlines due to a measles outbreak that has affected numerous families.
The Measles Outbreak
Luke Merideth, a local leader and former military medic, has witnessed the outbreak’s impact firsthand. He notes that entire families have been confined to their homes, suffering from the virus’s symptoms. Measles, highly contagious and airborne, presents with a red rash, high fever, runny nose, and cough. Although most recover within ten days, the disease poses severe risks to young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems.
As of this year, Mohave County reported 128 measles cases near the Utah-Arizona border, with three hospitalizations. Neighboring counties have also reported potential exposures, raising concerns across the region.
Vaccination Challenges
Historically, the FLDS has been skeptical of vaccinations, a sentiment that lingers in Short Creek and contributes to the outbreak. “The culture of distrust in the government probably contributed to what would have been more of a spike here than even another small rural town,” says Merideth. Despite an influx of new residents and ex-FLDS members, vaccination rates remain insufficient to curb the virus’s spread.
Rebecca Bradshaw, a local with a large family, echoes these concerns. While she and her children are vaccinated, many of her grandchildren are not. Distrust of vaccines persists, fueled by fears of adverse effects and conditions like autism.
Community Resilience
Despite recent challenges, Short Creek residents are hopeful about their community’s future. Vaccines are available at local clinics, and officials encourage residents to seek medical help as needed. “We’re about having growth. That is reasonable. And protecting our families,” asserts Colorado City Mayor Howard Ream.
As Short Creek continues its journey of transformation, the town remains committed to its resilience and adaptability, determined to overcome both its tumultuous past and current health challenges.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
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