New Measles Case Confirmed in Maricopa County, Total Reaches 14

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has announced another measles case in a local resident, raising the county’s total for 2026 to 14 cases. This recent case is linked to a previous local infection with no travel history or known exposure source, underscoring the potential for community spread and the critical need for vaccination and early detection of symptoms.

Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for MCDPH, emphasized the importance of preventive measures, stating, “There are two key steps to stopping this outbreak: prevention and reducing spread. We have a safe vaccine that is very effective at preventing illness, and for individuals who do get sick, please stay home and away from others so you don’t make them sick also.”

Public alerts are issued when authorities cannot trace all individuals potentially exposed in public venues. These notifications aim to inform the public about possible exposure, allowing them to take preventive steps. MCDPH will continue to update its online list of public exposure sites and issue media notifications as necessary.

Public Exposure Sites

Those who visited the locations listed on specific dates and times might have been exposed to measles. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, and the exposure times reflect this period. These details are accurate as of May 8, 2026, indicating the ongoing symptom watch period for exposed individuals.

People who were at these locations during the listed dates and times should:

1. Check your vaccination status. Verify your immunization records to ensure you are protected against measles. Those who have not had measles or received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may not be protected and should consult a healthcare provider about vaccination. The MMR vaccine is safe and the most effective way to prevent measles infections.
2. Watch for symptoms, which typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Symptoms include:

   • High fever (> 101°F)
   • Red, watery eyes
   • Cough
   • Runny nose
   • A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins after other symptoms, usually on the face at the hairline, and moves down the body. View photos of measles.
   • In some situations, certain people exposed to measles may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to reduce their risk of becoming ill. This includes some children under 12 months, pregnant women, and individuals with compromised immune systems. Individuals should contact their healthcare provider for guidance.

3. If symptoms develop, stay at home, and call a healthcare provider to seek medical care and testing. Call ahead and inform them about your symptoms and possible measles exposure to avoid exposing others.

Measles cannot be treated, but it can be prevented

While there is no treatment for measles, it is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically administered during childhood. Adults should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after the age of one. Those born before 1957 or who had measles as a child are considered immune. Following CDC guidance due to the local outbreak, MCDPH recommends infants aged 6-11 months receive early MMR vaccination in addition to the two scheduled doses at 1 year and 4-6 years.

Measles is a highly contagious virus, remaining viable in the air for up to two hours, and about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to it will become infected. It can have lasting health impacts, including serious complications like subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a brain infection that may not present until years after the initial infection.

MCDPH advises healthcare providers to be vigilant for unvaccinated patients presenting with fever and rash, especially those with known exposure. Providers are required to report suspected measles cases within 24 hours to local health departments.

Measles Facts

• Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid measles infection and serious outcomes.

  • Unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed.
  • Vitamin A does not prevent measles.
  • In the rare case where a vaccinated person gets infected with measles, their illness will be less severe than if they were unvaccinated.
  • MMR vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices, community health centers, and pharmacies. Find low and no cost vaccine resources.

• There is no treatment for measles, and it can have serious outcomes.

  • An individual with measles can get supportive care, but there are no treatments to relieve symptoms or shorten the duration of infection. 
  • While less common, measles can result in death.

• Measles is highly contagious.

  • People who are infected can spread measles to others before symptoms develop, while they still feel normal.

• Residents can check their immunization records to see if they are up to date on MMR and other vaccines.

  • Residents can visit myIR via the Arizona Department of Health Services.
  • Assistance is also available through the MCDPH CARES Team at (602) 506-6767 Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • If you do not have the recommended doses of MMR vaccine or are unsure if you do, talk with your healthcare provider about next steps.

For more information on measles, visit Maricopa.gov/measles.