Measles is now spreading in the Valley, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Health officials last week confirmed the first measles case in Maricopa County amid Arizona’s growing outbreak. Now, two more cases have been identified in the county.
One of the new cases has no known source of exposure. According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, that is a sign that the extremely contagious disease is spreading within the community.
Health officials are warning of possible measles exposure for anyone who visited Target on Warner Road in Gilbert on Jan. 13 from 3:30 to 5:45 p.m., EOS Fitness on Val Vista Drive in Gilbert on Jan. 13 or 15 from 4:45 to 7:45 a.m., or Sam’s Club on Gilbert Road in Gilbert on Jan. 15 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Those who are unvaccinated are at the highest risk for measles, but anyone who may have been exposed to measles at those locations should watch for symptoms of measles through Feb. 5.
Anyone who develops symptoms should seek medical care and testing. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health recommends calling your provider ahead of time to let them know about symptoms and potential exposure before going in.
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.
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.
Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said the growing risk of local transmission underscores the importance of vaccination.
“For decades, we’ve had enough community immunity to prevent spread of measles like this,” Staab said in a press release. “If you’ve been hesitating or wondering if you should get the measles vaccine, this is a reminder that measles can spread rapidly and can be very serious — and that you can protect yourself and those around you with a proven, effective vaccine.”
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Maricopa County public health officials say everyone who was at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport at 4 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Jan. 29 should watch for symptoms of measles through Feb. 19.
