Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) confirmed a measles case involving a non-county resident and confirmed two additional measles cases in Maricopa County residents. One case has no known source of exposure, confirming community spread.
Public health officials are identifying and notifying potentially exposed individuals. Anyone present at the following locations during these times should monitor for measles symptoms for 21 days post-exposure.
Exposure Location: Hale Theatre Arizona, 50 W. Page Ave., Gilbert, AZ 85233
Exposure Dates/Times:
- January 5-7: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- January 8-9: 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Monitor for symptoms through January 30, 2026
Three New Exposure Locations:
- EOS Fitness, 3025 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85295
- January 13 & 15: 4:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m.
- Monitor for symptoms through February 5, 2026
- Target, 1515 E Warner Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85296
- January 13: 3:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
- Monitor for symptoms through February 3, 2026
- Sam’s Club, 1225 N Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ 85234
- January 15: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
- Monitor for symptoms through February 5, 2026
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:
- Recommendation: Infants aged 6-11 months should receive early MMR vaccination (per CDC outbreak guidance)
- 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: Book online or 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:
