In a recent health alert, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has identified a potential measles exposure linked to a visitor from outside the county. The confirmed measles cases within Maricopa County residents remain at three, indicating a need for continued vigilance.
The ongoing measles outbreak in Maricopa County has led to confirmed community transmission. The MCDPH is in active collaboration with state and local partners to trace and assess suspected cases, providing timely information to those potentially exposed. This proactive approach aims to contain the spread and ensure public safety.
When individuals potentially exposed to measles cannot be directly identified, public notifications are released. This allows anyone who might have been in the same vicinity as an infected individual to take protective measures. Updates on public exposure sites will be regularly provided through media channels and on the MCDPH website.
Public Exposure Sites
People who visited the following locations during the specified dates and times might have been exposed to measles. Note that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left.
As of January 28, 2026, a new location has been added to the list of exposure sites:
| Location | Date | Time | Watch for symptoms through this date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Athletic Grounds 6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 Spectator areas (i.e., bleachers and viewing areas) around the baseball/softball fields |
January 23, 2026 | 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | February 14, 2026 |
| January 24, 2026 | 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | ||
| Target 1515 E Warner Rd Gilbert, AZ 85296 |
January 13, 2026 | 3:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | February 3, 2026 |
| EOS Fitness 3025 S Val Vista Dr Gilbert, AZ 85295 |
January 13, 2026 January 15, 2026 |
4:45 a.m.–7:45 a.m. (both days) | February 5, 2026 |
| Sam’s Club 1225 N Gilbert Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234 |
January 15, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. | February 5, 2026 |
| Hale Theatre Arizona 50 W Page Ave Gilbert, AZ 85233 |
January 5, 6, and 7, 2026 | 6:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. | January 30, 2026 |
| January 8 and 9, 2026 | 3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m. |
Precautionary Measures for Potentially Exposed Individuals
- Verify vaccination status. Ensure your immunization records show protection against measles. Those who have neither had measles nor received the MMR vaccine should consult a healthcare provider about vaccination.
- Monitor for symptoms, which often appear 7 to 12 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Look out for symptoms such as:
- High fever (over 101°F)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, raised, and blotchy rash, typically starting on the face and spreading downward. See measles photos.
- Contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Stay home and call ahead to inform them of your symptoms and potential exposure, allowing for safe medical care without risking further exposure.
Measles Prevention and Vaccination
“With nearly 90% of Arizonans choosing vaccination for themselves and their families, this outbreak will have the greatest impact on those who remain unvaccinated, including people who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies under 6 months,” said Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer with MCDPH. “We have eliminated measles before with effective, safe vaccination, and can do so again with whole community effort.”
Measles prevention hinges on the two-dose MMR vaccination, typically administered during childhood. Adults are advised to have at least one MMR dose post-age one. Individuals born before 1957 or who had measles in childhood are generally immune. Following CDC guidelines amid the local Maricopa outbreak, MCDPH advises early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months, supplementing the standard doses at ages 1 and 4-6 years.
While there is no treatment for measles, vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
Healthcare providers are urged to be vigilant for unvaccinated patients presenting with fever and rash, particularly those with known exposure. Providers must report suspected measles cases within 24 hours.
Key Information on Measles
- Vaccination is critical to prevent measles and its severe outcomes.
- Unvaccinated individuals face a 90% infection risk if exposed.
- Vitamin A is ineffective in preventing measles.
- Vaccinated individuals contracting measles will experience a milder form of the illness.
- MMR vaccines are accessible at many healthcare facilities and pharmacies. Find low-cost vaccine resources.
- There is no cure for measles, which can lead to severe health issues.
- Supportive care is available, but no treatment can alleviate symptoms or reduce the infection duration.
- In rare instances, measles can be fatal.
- Measles is highly infectious.
- Infected individuals can transmit the virus even before symptoms manifest.
- Residents are encouraged to verify their vaccination records.
- Arizona residents can check their records via myIR.
- The MCDPH CARES Team is available for assistance at (602) 506-6767, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Individuals uncertain about their MMR vaccination status should consult their healthcare provider.
Further information on measles is available at Maricopa.gov/measles.
###
Media availability: Virtual interviews will be available on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Please contact Courtney Kreuzwiesner to schedule.
Media contact: Courtney Kreuzwiesner, 602-540-5473, c.kreuzwiesner@maricopa.gov
Read More Here
