Maricopa, Pima counties warn of possible public exposures as measles continues to spread

Arizona has confirmed 24 cases of measles so far in January. Health officials are warning of possible public exposures in Maricopa and Pima counties and are continuing to urge Arizonans to take precautions against the extremely contagious disease.

Of the 24 cases this month, 17 have been in Mohave County where a large outbreak has been ongoing since August.

Other confirmed cases this month include three separate individuals — two in Pima County and one in Maricopa County — who likely contracted measles during international travel, according to county health departments.

Another case involved a person in federal custody in Pinal County.

Notably, one of this month’s confirmed cases involved a person in Maricopa County with no known source of exposure. Officials say that is evidence that measles is spreading within the community.

Maricopa County public health officials are warning of possible public measles exposures for anyone who visited the Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa on Jan. 23 or 24; Gilbert locations of Target on Jan. 13, EOS Fitness on Jan. 13 or 15, or Sam’s Club on Jan. 15.; or the Hale Theatre in Gilbert Jan. 5-9.

Pima County health officials are warning of possible exposures at two El Rio Health Center locations in Tucson on Jan. 13, 14, 21 and 22; a Tucson Fry’s location on Jan. 21; and a Tucson El Herradero supermarket on Jan. 22.

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.

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.

Dr. Richard Carmona is an adviser to the Arizona Department of Health Services. He said the MMR vaccine is the best way for Arizonans to protect themselves and those around them.

“The fact is that the more people that are out there that aren't vaccinated — those are people that themselves can get infected and spread it as well,” Carmona said during a call with reporters Tuesday.

Amid Arizona’s ongoing outbreak, 97% of cases have been among unvaccinated individuals, according to ADHS.