PHX Reporter

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has confirmed two new cases of measles related to a recent exposure, prompting a public health advisory. Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in containing the outbreak, stating, "We need the community’s help to keep measles contained."

The identified public locations where exposure may have occurred are as follows:

- Honey and Vine Restaurant at San Tan Mountain in Chandler on February 14 from 6pm to 11pm.

- Orlando Auto Body in Gilbert on February 16 from 3pm to 5:30pm.

- Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Gilbert on February 16 from 3:30pm to 6:00pm.

- Caldwell County BBQ in Gilbert on February 16 from 6pm to 9:30pm.

- Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream—Queen Creek on February 17 from 6:00pm to 9:30pm.

Individuals who were present at these locations during the specified dates and times are advised to watch for symptoms for 21 days following their exposure.

Dr. Staab highlighted the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread of measles, stating, "Widespread vaccination with a safe and highly effective measles vaccine is our best chance at keeping measles from coming back the way it was before a vaccine existed." He also pointed out the severity of measles infections prior to the availability of the vaccine, with millions of cases and hundreds of fatalities reported annually.

Measles is highly contagious, and individuals who have not been vaccinated or previously had the disease are at risk of contracting it. Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically appears 3 to 5 days after the onset of other symptoms.

If individuals suspect they may have been exposed to measles and begin experiencing symptoms, they are advised to self-isolate, stay away from others, and contact their healthcare provider for guidance. It is crucial to inform healthcare providers in advance if seeking medical care to prevent potential exposure to others.

In case of a suspected measles diagnosis, healthcare providers are urged to notify MCDPH immediately at (602) 506-6767 for appropriate follow-up. Additional information on measles can be found on Maricopa County Department of Public Health's website at Maricopa.gov/Measles.