Public Measles Exposure Linked to Non-County Resident

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has been notified of a measles exposure involving a non-county resident. The total number of confirmed measles cases in Maricopa County residents remains at three. As previously reported, a local outbreak of measles is occurring in Maricopa County with community transmission confirmed. MCDPH is working closely with state and local partners to identify and investigate suspected measles cases, and to promptly notify people who may have been exposed so they can watch for symptoms and take steps to prevent further spread. Public notifications are issued when exposed individuals cannot be identified, so people who may have been in a public setting at the same time as an infectious person can learn of their potential exposure and take protective steps. MCDPH will provide public notification via the media and update its online list of public exposure sites when additional public exposures are identified. Public exposure sites People who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms. The measles virus can survive in the air for up to two hours, and the listed exposure times listed include that extended period. As of 1/28/26, one new exposure location has been added to the existing list of public exposure locations noted below. Location Date Time Watch for symptoms through this date Arizona Athletic Grounds 6321 S Ellsworth Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 Spectator areas (i.e., bleachers and viewing areas) around the baseball/softball fields January 23, 2026 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. February 14, 2026 January 24, 2026 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Target 1515 E Warner Rd Gilbert, AZ 85296 January 13, 2026 3:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. February 3, 2026 EOS Fitness 3025 S Val Vista Dr Gilbert, AZ 85295 January 13, 2026 January 15, 2026 4:45 a.m.–7:45 a.m. (both days) February 5, 2026 Sam’s Club 1225 N Gilbert Rd Gilbert, AZ 85234 January 15, 2026 9:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. February 5, 2026 Hale Theatre Arizona 50 W Page Ave Gilbert, AZ 85233 January 5, 6, and 7, 2026 6:30 p.m.–11:30 p.m. January 30, 2026 January 8 and 9, 2026 3:00 p.m.–11:30 p.m People who were at these locations during the listed dates and times should: Check your vaccination status. Review your immunization records to confirm you are protected against measles. People who have not had measles or received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine may not be protected and should talk with a healthcare provider about vaccination. Watch for symptoms, which typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Symptoms include: High fever (> 101°F) Red, watery eyes Cough Runny nose 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. View photos of measles. If symptoms develop, stay at home, and call a healthcare provider to seek medical care and testing. Call ahead and let them know about your symptoms and possible measles exposure so you can be seen without exposing others. Measles cannot be treated, but it can be prevented ”With nearly 90% of Arizonans choosing vaccination for themselves and their families, this outbreak will have the greatest impact on those who remain unvaccinated, including people who cannot be vaccinated, such as babies under 6 months,” said Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer with MCDPH. “We have eliminated measles before with effective, safe vaccination, and can do so again with whole community effort.” Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after the age of one. Individuals born before 1957 or who had measles as a child are considered immune. In alignment with CDC guidance in the setting of a local measles outbreak in Maricopa County, MCDPH recommends infants aged 6-11 months to get early MMR vaccination in addition to the 2 scheduled doses at 1 year and 4-6 years. There is no treatment for measles, and it can have long-term health impacts. MCDPH is encouraging healthcare providers to be alert for unvaccinated patients with fever and rash, especially if they have a known exposure. Healthcare providers are required to report suspect cases of measles within 24 hours to their local health department. Measles Facts Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid measles infection and serious outcomes. Unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed. Vitamin A does not prevent measles. In the rare case where a vaccinated person gets infected with measles, their illness will be less severe than if they were unvaccinated. MMR vaccines are available at many primary care provider offices, community health centers, and pharmacies. Find low and no cost vaccine resources. There is no treatment for measles, and it can have serious outcomes. An individual with measles can get supportive care, but there are no treatments to relieve symptoms or shorten duration of infection. While less common, measles can result in death. Measles is highly contagious. People who are infected can spread measles to others before symptoms develop, while they still feel normal. Residents can check their immunization records to see if they are up to date on MMR and other vaccines. Residents can visit myIR via the Arizona Department of Health Services. Assistance is also available through the MCDPH CARES Team at (602) 506-6767 Mon.-Fri from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you do not have the recommended doses of MMR vaccine or are unsure if you do, talk with your healthcare provider about next steps. For more information on measles, visit Maricopa.gov/measles.