Public health officials are warning of possible measles exposures at 10 locations throughout Mesa in late April and early May. The list includes a Latter Day Saints Church, a Fry’s, a Target and several restaurants.
Measles is one of the most infectious diseases known. The virus can linger in the air for two hours after an infected person coughs or sneezes. And the virus will infect 90% of unvaccinated people who come in contact with it.
People who are not vaccinated are at the highest risk for measles — 96% of recent cases in Arizona have been among unvaccinated people. But health officials say everyone who may have been exposed to measles should watch for symptoms for three weeks.
Symptoms of measles typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days to appear. Symptoms include high fever, cough and 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.
As of Friday, public health officials have confirmed 14 cases of measles in Maricopa County this year. But the latest three cases had no clear source of exposure, which indicates there are likely more undetected cases in the community.
Maricopa County Department of Public Health medical director Dr. Nick Staab said Valley residents should take precautions as measles continues to spread in the area.
“I want people to know their vaccination status so that they know their risk in our current outbreak,” Staab said. “And if they are not immunized, I recommend immunization. It is a safe vaccine and it is a very effective vaccine.”
Public measles exposure sites
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