Health officials in Arizona have confirmed measles exposures at three public locations in Maricopa and Coconino counties on November 5-6, 2025. Two separate individuals with infectious measles visited downtown Phoenix (Maricopa County) and Flagstaff (Coconino County), potentially exposing people, including attendees of a sold-out Tate McRae concert at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.
Public exposure locations:
Maricopa County (Phoenix):
- Mortgage Matchup Center (201 E Jefferson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004)
- November 5 at 6:00 PM through November 6 at 12:30 AM
- Tate McRae concert (sold-out show)
- Watch for symptoms through November 27
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown (125 E Jackson St, Phoenix, AZ 85004)
- November 5 at 3:00 PM through November 6 at 1:00 PM
- Watch for symptoms through November 27
Coconino County (Flagstaff):
- Flagstaff Mall (4650 U.S. 89, Flagstaff, AZ 86004)
- November 6 at 10:00 AM through 2:30 PM
- Watch for symptoms through November 27
These are separate incidents involving two different infected individuals—one who visited Phoenix locations and another who visited Flagstaff. Neither infected person is a resident of their respective county. As of November 13, 2025, no secondary cases have been reported from these exposures in either Maricopa or Coconino counties.
Keep in Mind:
- Measles is one of the most contagious diseases known—approximately 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles will become infected
- The virus can remain infectious in the air for up to 2 hours after an infected person leaves an area
- Potentially multiple people may have been exposed at the Tate McRae concert alone
- Infected individuals are contagious from 4 days before rash onset through 4 days after rash appears (9 days total)
- Many measles cases can be mild or atypical in previously vaccinated individuals with waning immunity, meaning actual infections may exceed reported cases
- Symptoms typically appear 7-21 days after exposure, with most people developing symptoms 7-12 days post-exposure
- Adults who received only 1 MMR vaccine as a child are considered fully vaccinated but may have waning immunity
Arizona Measles Cases:
These Phoenix and Flagstaff exposures occur amid Arizona’s worst measles year since 1991. As of November 13, 2025, Arizona has confirmed 128 measles cases statewide:
- Mohave County: 124 cases (Colorado City/Arizona-Utah border outbreak—second-largest U.S. outbreak in 2025)
- Navajo County: 4 cases (reported earlier in 2025)
- Maricopa County: These recent exposures represent the first public measles notification in Maricopa County during the current nationwide outbreak
- 3 hospitalizations statewide; no deaths reported
Nationally, the CDC reports over 1,618 measles cases across 42 jurisdictions in 2025—the highest annual total since measles was declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000.
Measles Presentation and Symptoms
Measles typically presents as an acute viral illness with:
- Prodrome (early phase): High fever (>101°F), cough, coryza (runny nose), and conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes)
- Rash: Generalized maculopapular rash appearing several days after prodrome
- Starts on the face at the hairline
- Proceeds down the body, may include palms and soles
- Appears discrete but may become confluent
- Lasts several days, fades in the same order it appeared
- Koplik spots: Small white spots with bluish-white centers inside the mouth (occasionally seen)
Atypical presentations:
- Symptoms may be mild, absent, or atypical in persons with some degree of immunity (previously vaccinated with waning immunity, or children who passively acquired maternal antibodies)
- Those vaccinated between 1963-1967 and immunocompromised individuals may present with atypical rash (typically begins on extremities rather than face)
Vaccination and Prevention
The MMR vaccine is 97% effective at preventing measles with two doses.
All individuals should ensure they have evidence of immunity:
- Two doses of MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart
- Laboratory confirmation of immunity
- Laboratory confirmation of previous measles infection
- Born before 1957 (generally considered immune, though healthcare workers should still receive two MMR doses regardless of birth year)
Vaccination recommendations for Arizona residents and travelers:
- Children: First dose at 12-15 months, second dose at 4-6 years
- Adults born in 1957 or later: Should have documentation of two doses of MMR vaccine
- Healthcare workers: Should receive two doses of MMR regardless of year of birth
- International travelers (6 months and older): Should receive MMR before travel
For individuals who may have been exposed:
- Post-exposure vaccination: MMR vaccine given within 72 hours of exposure may provide protection or reduce disease severity
- Immune globulin (IG): Can be given within 6 days of exposure for high-risk individuals who cannot be vaccinated (infants under 12 months, pregnant women, severely immunocompromised persons)
What to do if you were at an exposure location:
- Verify your MMR vaccination status (2 doses for most people)
- Watch for symptoms through November 27, 2025 (21 days after last potential exposure)
- If symptoms develop:
- Call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility to minimize exposures
- Isolate immediately—stay home and away from others
- Do not use public transportation or visit public places
- Seek medical evaluation for testing and care
Arizona residents seeking vaccination:
- TravelBug Health: Call to schedule an appointment at (480) 435-2774
- Location: 8603 E Royal Palm Rd, Ste 120, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM
TravelBug Health is a full-service travel medicine clinic, and we provide everything you need in one visit to stay healthy and safe on your journey.
Learn more about travel health risks on our website.
References:
Arizona Department of Health Services. Measles Information and Updates.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Measles Cases and Outbreaks. Updated November 4, 2025.
Phoenix New Times. Phoenix Tate McCrae concert site of measles exposure. November 12, 2025.
KNAU Arizona Public Radio. Measles case confirmed at Flagstaff Mall. November 12, 2025.
