The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has reported two new cases of measles among local residents. One of these cases has no known source of exposure, indicating that measles may now be spreading in the community.
This situation highlights the urgent need for vaccinations and awareness of measles symptoms. Dr. Nick Staab, MCDPH’s chief medical officer, emphasized, “We’ve had strong community immunity for decades, but this is a wake-up call. Measles spreads quickly and can be serious. Getting vaccinated protects you and others.”
MCDPH identified three public locations where people might have been exposed to measles:
- **Target**: 1515 E. Warner Rd., Gilbert, AZ – January 13, 2026 (3:30 PM – 5:45 PM)
- **EOS Fitness**: 3025 S. Val Vista Dr., Gilbert, AZ – January 13 and 15, 2026 (4:45 AM – 7:45 AM)
- **Sam’s Club**: 1225 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert, AZ – January 15, 2026 (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)
Measles is extremely contagious. It can stay in the air for up to two hours, and about 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to it will become infected. Serious complications can occur, including subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a brain infection that may not show up until years later.
Vaccination remains the best prevention method. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is usually given in two doses during childhood. Adults should get at least one dose after age one. Those born before 1957 or who’ve had measles are generally considered immune. The CDC advises giving infants aged 6-11 months an early MMR vaccine during outbreaks, in addition to the standard doses at age one and again between four to six years old.
Dr. Staab pointed out, “Stopping the spread of measles is a group effort. Higher vaccination rates will help us avoid community transmission in the future.”
If you may have been exposed, monitor for symptoms like:
- High fever (104 °F or higher)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, raised, blotchy rash starting on the face and moving down the body, lasting five to six days
If symptoms develop, seek medical care and inform your healthcare provider beforehand. This helps avoid exposing others while waiting for care. Medical professionals are being encouraged to be on the lookout for unvaccinated patients presenting with fever and rash symptoms.
Here’s a quick overview of measles facts:
- Vaccination is key. Unvaccinated individuals have a 90% chance of infection if exposed.
- No effective treatment exists for measles; care is mostly supportive.
- Measles can spread even before symptoms appear.
- Check your immunization records at myIR from the Arizona Department of Health Services.
For further information about measles, visit Maricopa.gov/measles.
The resurgence of measles serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about vaccinations. With a global resurgence of preventable diseases, experts urge communities to keep immunization rates high. Recent data shows a 22% increase in measles cases worldwide in 2022, underscoring the ongoing risk. Staying informed and ready can protect not just individuals, but entire communities.
