The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed that a case of measles within Maricopa County involving an international visitor. The Department is currently conducting an investigation.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread through the air. Those who are unvaccinated are at highest risk of developing the disease if exposed.
A person with measles can give the disease to other people even before they feel sick. Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with depressed immune systems.
“Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH. “We encourage residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccines and watch for symptoms of measles, especially if you are high risk or unvaccinated,” Dr. Staab added.
Measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears 3 to 5 days later. The rash often begins on the forehead and spreads downward to other parts of the body. Individuals with a depressed immune system and those vaccinated with MMR between 1964 and 1967 may not have a typical rash.
Symptoms consistent with measles include:
Fever
Cough
White spots in the throat
Runny nose
Red and/or watery eyes
Rash
It can take up to 21 days after their last exposure for a person infected with measles to start showing symptoms.
In the event you experience fever, cough, runny nose, rash, or any other symptoms of measles:
Please self-isolate, stay away from others and contact your healthcare provider by phone and let them know you are concerned you may have measles. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area.