Maricopa County health officials have identified six additional public exposure locations connected to a confirmed measles case involving a non-resident. The announcement comes as the number of confirmed measles infections among Maricopa County residents has increased to 25, up from 21 reported last week.
Health officials are urging anyone who visited the listed locations during the specified times to monitor for symptoms and check their vaccination status.
Cases
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) said the latest exposure sites are linked to a visitor who tested positive for measles.
At the same time, the county reported that confirmed measles cases among residents have increased to 25.
Officials noted that this is significantly higher than the county’s long-term average of about one reported measles case per year over the past three decades.
Exposure
People who visited the following locations during the listed times may have been exposed to the measles virus.
| Location | Date and Time | Monitor Through |
|---|---|---|
| The Taco Spot, 855 N. 54th St., Chandler | July 12, 2:30 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. | Aug. 2 |
| Sonesta Select Hotel, 920 N. 54th St., Chandler | July 12, 4 p.m. – July 13, 1 p.m. | Aug. 3 |
| Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix | July 12, 7 p.m. – Midnight | Aug. 2 |
| IHOP, 5020 E. Ray Road, Phoenix | July 13, Midnight – 3:30 a.m. | Aug. 3 |
| bb.q Chicken, 1900 W. Blvd., Chandler | July 13, 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Aug. 3 |
| Chandler Fashion Center, 3111 W. Chandler Blvd., Chandler | July 13, 12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Aug. 3 |
Health officials said each exposure window includes an additional two-hour period because the measles virus can remain in the air after an infected person leaves the area.
Previous
The newly announced exposure sites follow last week’s report of seven additional measles cases and two previously identified exposure locations in Surprise and Tempe.
Public health officials continue to investigate additional cases and notify individuals who may have been exposed.
Symptoms
Measles symptoms usually develop between seven and 12 days after exposure but may appear as long as 21 days later.
Common symptoms include:
- Fever above 101 degrees
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, raised, blotchy rash
The rash typically develops after the initial symptoms and usually begins at the hairline before spreading downward across the body.
Guidance
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health advises anyone who develops symptoms to remain at home and contact a healthcare provider before seeking medical care.
Calling ahead allows healthcare facilities to prepare appropriate infection control measures and reduce the risk of exposing others.
Officials also encourage residents to review their measles vaccination status, noting that the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine remains the most effective protection against the disease.
Outlook
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation as additional cases are investigated.
They emphasize that measles is highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination. Residents who visited any of the identified exposure locations should watch for symptoms through the listed monitoring dates and seek medical guidance if symptoms develop.
FAQs
How many measles cases has Maricopa County reported?
The county has confirmed 25 resident measles cases.
Where were the new exposure sites identified?
They were located in Chandler and Phoenix.
How long after exposure can symptoms appear?
Symptoms may appear up to 21 days after exposure.
What are common measles symptoms?
Fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes and a blotchy rash.
What should exposed individuals do?
Monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if ill.
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