The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed more than 700 measles cases across several states. While an outbreak has not yet reached Arizona, some are concerned about infections occurring in low vaccination areas.
The worry over spread comes after reports of cases in Texas and New Mexico. Some areas that could be at a higher risk are Yavapai and Navajo Counties.
That’s according to former Arizona Department of Health Services Director Will Humble.
“I wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a cascade of cases eventually in places like Prescott, Chino Valley, the Kingman area, some places in the White Mountains, Payson,” he said.
Humble says Yuma County, Santa Cruz County, and most of Pima County have good vaccination rates.
The Maricopa County public health department says nonimmunized people are at a greater risk of contracting the disease if they are close to an infected individual.
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