Watch for measles symptoms if you visited these sites in Tempe, Surprise

Measles continues to spread in the Valley, and Maricopa County officials are warning of potential public exposures in Tempe and Surprise.

Anyone who visited Tempe Marketplace from 5-8:30 p.m. on July 6 may have been exposed to measles and should watch for symptoms through July 27. And anyone who visited the Walmart at 13770 W. Bell Road in Surprise from 2-6 p.m. on July 12 should watch for symptoms through Aug. 2.

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.

Maricopa County has now confirmed 21 measles cases this year.

Public health officials say vaccination offers the best protections against the virus. About 96% of Arizona’s recent measles cases have been among unvaccinated people, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.