Nestled between the scenic red rock formations, the communities of Hildale, Utah, and Colorado City, Arizona, known collectively as Short Creek, are facing a significant public health challenge. Historically linked to the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) and its controversial leader, Warren Jeffs, Short Creek is now in the spotlight for a different reason: a large measles outbreak, the second most severe in the United States.
The epicenter of this outbreak is a small town where residents prefer to be called “crikers.” The measles outbreak in Short Creek has resulted in 128 reported cases, including three hospitalizations, as per Mohave County records. Contributing to the spread is a prevalent culture of vaccine hesitancy, rooted in historical distrust of government initiatives, including immunization programs.
Community Response and Health Challenges
Within Short Creek, the Short Creek Dream Center emerges as a beacon of support for those fleeing domestic violence, substance abuse, and homelessness. The center, situated on what was once Warren Jeffs’ property, now serves as a hub for community assistance, including operating a food bank.
Luke Merideth, a city council member and co-director of the center, described the outbreak’s impact: “I do know that there were just whole families that were down for a week or two, staying at home, feeling miserable, recovering.” Measles, a highly contagious viral infection, poses severe risks, especially to individuals with weakened immune systems, young children, and pregnant women.
Vaccination Rates and Cultural Influences
Short Creek’s history with the FLDS, which often rejected vaccinations, continues to influence measles containment efforts. Pastor Brody Olson of the Community of Grace Church, where many ex-FLDS members now gather, notes that the church’s historical stance against vaccinations still affects current attitudes.
Rebecca Bradshaw, a local resident and grandmother, reflects the community’s mixed stance on vaccination. While she and her children are vaccinated, about half of her grandchildren remain unvaccinated due to parental concerns about potential adverse effects. “They don’t trust the government,” she said. “They don’t trust the immunizations.”
Recovery Efforts and Future Outlook
Despite the challenges, the community remains resilient. Many residents rely on home remedies for treatment, a tradition tied to Short Creek’s large family sizes and economic considerations. Bradshaw believes the true number of measles cases is underreported, estimating actual figures to be threefold the reported numbers.
Local officials are actively encouraging vaccinations as a preventive measure. Clinics in both Colorado City and Hildale offer vaccines, and community leaders emphasize the importance of medical intervention. “We’re about having growth. That is reasonable. And protecting our families,” said Colorado City Mayor Howard Ream.
Amidst the outbreak, Short Creek’s transformation continues. Residents like Bradshaw remain optimistic about their community’s recovery and growth, reflecting on the social progress made since the days of FLDS dominance. “And now the walls are coming down. People are getting back to reality and socializing. And it’s been fun to see the progress,” Bradshaw remarked.
This article first appeared on Cronkite News and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
