Measles Confirmed In Maricopa County

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Please contact Jeanene Fowler at 602-722-1806 to schedule

Measles Confirmed In Maricopa County

PHOENIX (April 9, 2014) – Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed that an unvaccinated individual returning from Europe has measles. While in Maricopa County, this individual visited multiple public locations and likely exposed others to measles.

Public locations of where and when people may have been exposed to this person are as follows:

• March 29th- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4; 6:30pm until 10:00pm

• March 30th- Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Cave Creek Chapel, 38008 N. Basin Rd in Cave Creek (Cave Creek, Desert Ridge and Pinnacle Peak Wards); 1:00pm until 5:00pm

• March 31st- Wildflower Bread Company, 15640 N. Hayden Rd in Scottsdale; 12:00pm until 5pm

• March 31st- Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4; 3:00pm until 7:00pm

Individuals who were at these locations during the above times should monitor for symptoms and call their health care provider if they begin exhibiting symptoms. There is no longer concern for residents visiting these public locations now.

“Measles is the most contagious disease known to man which is why when we find one case, we must act quickly to identify additional cases and stop the outbreak as soon as possible,” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

“The frustration is that if enough people get just 2 doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, we would have enough immunity in the population to prevent outbreaks from happening at all. But now, again, we may watch individuals potentially get sick, lose time at work and school, and watch healthcare resources unnecessarily devoted to trying to contain this,” England added.

Measles is a highly-contagious, vaccine-preventable viral illness spread through coughing, sneezing, and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of an infected individual. Measles virus can survive in the air for hours and may be transmitted to susceptible individuals even after an infected individual is no longer in the room/area. You may be protected from measles if you were immunized for measles or if you have previously had the disease. Healthcare providers are required to report suspect cases of measles to Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

Symptoms:

• Typically appear 7-12 days after exposure to measles but may take up to 21 days

• Begin with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose

• Followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body. The rash may last for 5-6 days and may turn brownish.

What to do if you think you have measles:

• If you have a healthcare provider, contact him/her by phone and let them know that you may have been exposed to measles. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area.

If you do not have a health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. Please call before going to let them know you may have measles.

For more information on measles’ signs and symptoms or where you may find vaccine, please visit www.WeArePublicHealth.org.