Urgent Alert: Pima County Health Department Warns of Measles Outbreak – What You Need to Know!

The Pima County Health Department is sounding the alarm about measles after Texas reported its first measles death in a decade. The child in Lubbock, Texas, who passed away was not vaccinated and had been hospitalized recently.

Measles cases have been confirmed in eight states, including Texas and New Mexico, but Arizona currently has no reported cases this year. Despite this, health officials are worried. There has been a noticeable drop in childhood vaccination rates, which is crucial for preventing outbreaks.

“Measles is highly contagious. We are definitely concerned,” said Lindsay Kohler, Epidemiology Division Manager for the department. Common symptoms of measles include a rash, fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. While many recover well, about 20-25% of those infected require hospitalization due to serious complications.

Kohler emphasizes the importance of vaccination in stopping the spread. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine offers strong protection. According to health officials, over 99% of those who receive two doses of the MMR vaccine develop immunity to measles. “In the last 10 years, we’ve seen just one case in Arizona, but vaccination rates have been declining,” she noted.

Children typically get their first dose of the MMR vaccine between 12 and 15 months, with a second dose given between ages four and six. The goal is to maintain a 95% vaccination rate among kindergartners; currently, it’s at 93.7%. In Arizona, the MMR vaccine is required for school attendance unless a personal belief exemption is filed.

Kohler pointed out that the rise in exemption requests is troubling. Tracking adult vaccination rates is challenging because many records are not easily accessible, and vaccination schedules often vary. Most adults have been vaccinated or contracted measles in childhood, but young children and infants—who can’t get their first shot until they’re older—are most at risk now.

“That’s why we worry about babies who are too young for the vaccine. The best way to protect them is to ensure that everyone around them is vaccinated,” Kohler explained. Vaccination remains the best defense against measles.

For those without insurance or under-insured, the Pima County Health Department provides vaccination services for both children and adults. They recommend checking their immunizations page for more information.

If there’s a rise in community cases affecting young infants, health officials may recommend an early vaccine dose for infants aged 6 to 11 months. Staying informed and vaccinated is crucial for community health.