Maricopa County Reports Seven New Measles Cases, Urges Vaccination

The alarming increase in measles cases in Maricopa County has put public health officials on high alert. With the confirmation of seven new cases, the total for the year has now soared to 21, a stark contrast to the historical average of just one case annually over the past three decades. This surge underscores the critical importance of vaccination and early recognition of symptoms.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is actively collaborating with a business in Aguila, where the cluster is centered, to mitigate further spread. Public notifications will continue when potential exposures occur in public places, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions. Updated information will be shared through media channels and on the MCDPH online list of public exposure sites.

Public Exposure Sites

Individuals who visited the following locations during the specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles. The virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, so the exposure windows account for this duration.

Location	Date/Time	Time	Watch for symptoms through this date
Tempe Marketplace 2000 E Rio Salado Pkwy Tempe, AZ 85288	Monday, July 6	5:00pm-8:30pm	Monday, July 27
Walmart 13770 W Bell Rd Surprise, AZ 85374	Sunday, July 12	2:00pm-6:00pm	Sunday, August 2

Recommendations for Those Potentially Exposed

Check your vaccination status. Confirm your immunity against measles by reviewing your immunization records. Those unprotected should consult with a healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. The MMR vaccine is safe and highly effective in preventing measles infections.

Monitor for symptoms. Symptoms usually present 7 to 12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days. Watch for high fever, red and watery eyes, cough, runny nose, and a characteristic red, raised, blotchy rash that starts at the face and moves down the body. Refer to photos of measles for more details. Certain individuals, such as children under 12 months, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals, may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce their risk.

If symptoms appear, stay home and contact a healthcare provider. Call ahead to arrange medical care and testing, and inform them about your symptoms and the potential exposure to avoid spreading the infection to others.

Prevention and Immunization

Measles can effectively be prevented through vaccination. The MMR vaccine is typically administered in two doses during childhood, with adults needing at least one dose post-age one. The CDC recommends earlier vaccination for infants aged 6-11 months in outbreak areas. Measles is extremely contagious, infecting approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to the virus.

There is no direct treatment for measles, and it can cause severe long-term health issues, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a chronic brain infection. Healthcare providers are urged to report suspected measles cases within 24 hours to prevent further outbreaks.

Key Facts About Measles

Vaccination is the best defense against measles and its potential complications.
- Unvaccinated individuals face a 90% risk of infection upon exposure.
- Vitamin A offers no protection against measles.

Vaccinated individuals who contract measles generally experience milder symptoms.

MMR vaccines are widely accessible through primary care providers, community health centers, and pharmacies. Explore low and no-cost vaccine resources.

Measles is not treatable and can lead to serious outcomes.
- Supportive care is available, but there is no cure to alleviate symptoms or shorten the infection’s duration.
- Measles can be fatal in rare cases.

Measles spreads easily and can be transmitted before symptoms emerge.
- Infected individuals can pass the virus to others while still asymptomatic.

Residents should verify their immunization records to ensure they are up-to-date on the MMR vaccine.
- Check records via the Arizona Department of Health Services.
- Contact the MCDPH CARES Team at 602-506-6767 for assistance, available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- If uncertain about your vaccination status, consult your healthcare provider.