As Maricopa County navigates a rise in seasonal, vaccine-preventable diseases, the local Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has announced a new public exposure site for measles linked to a travel-associated case in the region. Amidst increasing cases, residents are encouraged to take preventive measures seriously.
“Measles is making headlines, but we have several illnesses spreading right now, and we have vaccines to protect against many of them, including measles,” stated Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for MCDPH. “While it can sound alarming, the good news is that there are steps we can all take to protect ourselves and those around us.”
Steps for Protection
Residents and visitors can take various measures to safeguard themselves and others:
- Get vaccinated against measles
- Measles vaccines are accessible year-round for those needing updates.
- An early dose is advised for infants 6-11 months old to mitigate exposure risks.
- This year, Maricopa County has reported 28 measles cases, contributing to over 3,000 cases nationwide.
- Obtain seasonal respiratory vaccines early in the fall
- Vaccines for flu, COVID-19, and RSV are available for the approaching respiratory virus season.
- COVID-19 cases are already rising, making immediate vaccination advisable.
- Receiving vaccines by the end of October ensures immunity for holiday gatherings.
- Recognize symptoms and respond appropriately
- Common symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, coughs, and congestion.
- If symptoms appear, stay home to avoid spreading germs.
- Seek medical care if at high risk of complications or if symptoms worsen.
Importance of Prevention
Preventable illnesses significantly affect the community in various ways:
- Students miss educational days when sick.
- Workers lose wages due to illness or caring for sick family.
- Preventable illnesses increase hospital visits, reducing resources for emergencies.
Long-term Health Risks
Viruses can pose long-term health challenges. Measles, for instance, might cause brain swelling years after recovery. Chickenpox can result in shingles, which is preventable through vaccines. Common respiratory viruses can escalate to severe pneumonia and even death.
Protecting Vulnerable Populations
Infants too young for certain vaccines rely on community protection to prevent exposure. Similarly, individuals undergoing cancer treatments or with organ transplants need community support to avoid illness. “Lots of medical risk factors are invisible, so you might never know that you’re around people who are at higher risk of hospitalization or complications from these illnesses,” Dr. Staab emphasized. “By taking these simple preventive steps, we can reduce the chances of serious sickness for our friends and neighbors, and we can keep our own families from losing time at school and work due to sickness.”
Measles Exposure Notice
Public notifications are vital when identifying exposed individuals is not possible. MCDPH updates its online list of public exposure sites to inform potentially exposed individuals. Those at the following location during the specified time should monitor for symptoms as the measles virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
| Location | Date/Time | Time | Watch for symptoms through this date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW Walgreens 11250 E. Via Linda Scottsdale, 85259 |
Tuesday, September 8 | 8:00 a.m.–10:25 a.m. | Tuesday, September 29 |
Recommended Actions for Potentially Exposed Individuals
- Verify your vaccination status. Ensure your immunization records confirm protection against measles. Unvaccinated individuals should consult healthcare providers about the MMR vaccine, which is safe and effective in preventing measles.
- Monitor for symptoms, which can appear seven to 12 days after exposure and may include:
- High fever (> 101°F)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A characteristic rash that starts on the face and progresses downward. See measles photos.
Certain groups, such as children under 12 months, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and should consult healthcare providers.
- Stay home if symptoms develop and contact a healthcare provider for care and testing. Call in advance to inform them about symptoms and potential measles exposure to prevent spreading the virus.
For more information on measles, visit Maricopa.gov/measles.
For details on seasonal viruses, visit Maricopa.gov/fallwinter.
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Media contact: Sonia Singh, Sonia.singh@maricopa.gov, 602-679-3098
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