Since measles began spreading in Arizona last summer, the majority of the state’s cases have been in a remote area of Mohave County. But this week, most new cases in the state were in Arizona’s most populous county, Maricopa.
There were four new measles cases confirmed in the Valley this week, according to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health — that’s the highest weekly case count in the county so far this year. Meanwhile, Mohave County added just one new case.
Maricopa County health officials say the extremely contagious disease is spreading throughout the community and have warned of recent possible public exposures at a youth basketball game in Mesa and several public sites in Queen Creek.
A new case was also reported this week in neighboring Pinal County. In that case, the infected individual visited a health care facility and officials are working to contact people who may have been exposed, according to the Pinal County Public Health Services District.
In total, Arizona has reported 306 measles cases since June 2025, and 22 of those cases have led to hospitalizations, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Dr. Maria Merrick, assistant medical director for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, said vaccination offers the best protection against measles.
“Measles remains extremely, highly contagious and 90% of people who aren’t vaccinated will get sick if they are exposed,” Merrick said. “[Arizonans should] take the time to reconsider if they aren’t immunized to get immunized.”
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An extreme heat warning is in effect now through Tuesday night as temperatures in the Valley reach over 100 degrees. The National Weather Service says heat-related illnesses increase significantly during this period. -
K-12 students in Maricopa County may have easier access to mental healthcare next school year. The county has contracted with a company called Cartwheel to provide telehealth services for schools. -
Officials from the Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed one passenger on board an cruise ship where three passengers died from hantavirus has returned home to Arizona. That person is being monitored by local health officials. -
Among the many provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act are new rules around Medicaid. In states that expanded the program, like Arizona, enrollees will have new work requirements. -
The list includes a Latter Day Saints church, a Fry’s, a Target and several restaurants. Anyone who may have been exposed to measles should watch for symptoms for three weeks.
