Amid rising concerns in Maricopa County, health officials have identified a new case of measles, taking the total count to 16 this year. This surge is notably higher than the historical average of one case annually over the past three decades, underscoring the importance of vigilance and vaccination in curbing this outbreak.
Health alerts are issued when it’s challenging to trace all individuals potentially exposed to the virus, enabling those who might have been in the vicinity of an infected person to take necessary precautions. Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) updates the public through media channels and maintains an online list of exposure sites.
Public Exposure Site
Individuals present at the following location during the specified dates and times may have encountered the virus. The measles virus remains airborne for up to two hours, so these times account for that duration:
| Location | Date | Time | Last Day of Symptom Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4 | Wednesday, June 17 | 6:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | Wednesday, July 8 |
Recommendations for Individuals at This Location
- Verify your vaccination status. Check your immunization records to ensure you are protected against measles. Those lacking immunity or MMR vaccine should consult a healthcare provider. The MMR vaccine is safe and effective in preventing measles infections.
- Monitor for symptoms, which may appear 7-12 days after exposure, but can take up to 21 days. Symptoms include:
- High fever (> 101°F)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, blotchy rash starting on the face and spreading downwards. View photos of measles.
Certain individuals, such as children under 12 months, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems, may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Consult a healthcare provider for advice.
- If you develop symptoms, stay home and contact a healthcare provider to arrange for medical care and testing. Call ahead to inform them of your symptoms and potential exposure to ensure safe handling without risking others’ health.
Prevention and Vaccination
Measles prevention is achievable with two doses of the MMR vaccine given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose post the age of one. Individuals born before 1957 or previously infected with measles are regarded as immune. During a local outbreak, MCDPH suggests early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months, complementing the regular doses at 1 and 4-6 years old.
Measles is extremely contagious; the virus can remain airborne for hours, and about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus will contract it. While there is no cure, measles can lead to serious complications, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a rare brain infection that manifests years later.
MCDPH has advised healthcare providers to be vigilant toward patients showing symptoms of fever and rash if they were exposed. Suspected measles cases must be reported within 24 hours to local health authorities.
Key Information on Measles
- Vaccination remains the most effective defense against measles:
- Unvaccinated individuals stand a 90% risk of infection upon exposure.
- Vitamin A is ineffective in preventing measles.
- Vaccinated individuals who contract measles tend to experience milder symptoms.
- MMR vaccines can be accessed at primary care offices, health centers, and pharmacies. Find affordable vaccine resources.
- No treatment exists for measles, but serious outcomes can occur:
- While supportive care is available, no treatments alleviate symptoms or shorten the infection duration.
- Measles can occasionally result in death.
- Measles is highly transmissible:
- Infected individuals can spread the virus before symptoms appear, even when they feel well.
- Residents should verify their MMR and other vaccine statuses:
- Utilize myIR via the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- The MCDPH CARES Team is available for assistance at (602) 506-6767, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If vaccination status is uncertain, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
For comprehensive information on measles, please visit Maricopa.gov/measles.
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