The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) confirmed a local measles case on April 9, which is not linked to previous cases and has no known source of exposure. Officials say this raises concerns about the potential for local transmission and highlights the importance of vaccination.
The announcement underscores the need for residents to be aware of symptoms and ensure they are up to date on vaccinations. MCDPH is working with state and local partners to notify people who may have been exposed in order to prevent further spread.
“We’ve prevented measles outbreaks for years by staying up to date on vaccinations,” said Dr. Maria Merrick, assistant medical director for MCDPH. “If you’ve been meaning to get the measles vaccine, this is your reminder. Measles spreads easily, and vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others.”
Public notifications have been issued for several locations in Queen Creek where individuals may have been exposed between April 3-5: Costco at 20260 S. Ellsworth Rd., Walmart at 21055 E. Rittenhouse Rd., and Generation Church Queen Creek at 22801 Via Del Jardin during a Jr. High Sunday School & Easter Egg Hunt event. People present at these sites during specified times are advised to check their vaccination status, watch for symptoms such as high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, or rash within three weeks after exposure, and consult healthcare providers if needed.
Measles can be prevented with two doses of the MMR vaccine; adults should receive at least one dose after age one unless considered immune due to birth before 1957 or prior infection as a child. There is no treatment for measles—only supportive care—and serious outcomes including death can occur in rare cases.
MCDPH encourages healthcare providers to remain alert for unvaccinated patients presenting with fever and rash following possible exposures. Providers must report suspected cases within 24 hours.
Broader community health issues also persist in Maricopa County schools: according to the Arizona Department of Education, more than half of students failed both mathematics (62.9% grades 3-8; 65% high schoolers) and English sections (57.2% grades 3-8; 57% high schoolers) during the most recent standardized assessments (AASA/ACT). However, there were improvements noted as well—33.9% of high schoolers passed math on the ACT while about a third (36%) of younger students passed math on AASA according to state data.
Residents seeking information about their immunization records can use myIR via the Arizona Department of Health Services or contact MCDPH CARES Team weekdays by phone.
