Public Health Confirms Local Measles Spread, Additional Public Exposures Following Two New Cases

PHOENIX (January 23, 2026)-Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has confirmed two additional measles cases in Maricopa County residents, including one with no known source of exposure. This confirms that measles is now spreading within the community.

These new cases underscore the growing risk of local transmission and the importance of vaccination and early symptom recognition.

"For decades, we've had enough community immunity to prevent spread of measles like this," said Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer for MCDPH. "If you've been hesitating or wondering if you should get the measles vaccine, this is a reminder that measles can spread rapidly and can be very serious-and that you can protect yourself and those around you with a proven, effective vaccine."

Public exposure sites

MCDPH has identified three additional public locations where people may have been exposed to measles as a result of these cases. Individuals who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms.

Infectiousness and prevention

Measles is a highly infectious virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, and approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected. Serious, long-term complications from measles infections include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a brain infection which may not appear until years after a person's initial measles infection.

Measles is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after the age of one. Individuals born before 1957 or who had measles as a child are considered immune. In alignment with CDC guidance in the setting of a local measles outbreak, MCDPH recommends infants aged 6-11 months to get early MMR vaccination in addition to the 2 scheduled doses at 1 year and 4-6 years.

"Preventing continued spread of measles is a community effort," added Dr. Staab. "Raising immunization rates in our community will help us avoid future occurrences of community transmission like we are seeing now."

Symptoms to watch for

Anyone who may have been exposed should watch for symptoms, which appear typically seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. Symptoms include:

• Fever, which can spike to 104 °F or higher
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough
• Runny nose
• A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins after other symptoms, usually on the face at the hairline, and moves down the body. The rash may last five to six days.

What to do if symptoms develop

Whether an individual has known exposure or not, individuals who develop symptoms are encouraged to seek medical care and testing. They should call the provider ahead to let them know about symptoms and potential exposure before going in. The provider or facility will provide instructions on how to be seen without exposing others in the waiting area.

MCDPH is encouraging healthcare providers to be alert for unvaccinated patients with fever and rash, especially if they have a known exposure. Healthcare providers are required to report suspect cases of measles to their local health department.

Measles Facts

• Vaccination is the most effective way to avoid measles infection and serious outcomes.
• • Unvaccinated people have a 90% chance of becoming infected if exposed.
  • Vitamin A does not prevent measles.
  • In the rare case where a vaccinated person gets infected with measles, their illness will be less severe than if they were unvaccinated.
• There is no treatment for measles, and it can have serious outcomes.
• • An individual with measles can get supportive care, but there are no treatments to relieve symptoms or shorten duration of infection.
  • While less common, measles can result in death.
• Measles is highly contagious.
• • People who are infected can spread measles to others before symptoms develop, while they still feel normal.
• Residents can check their immunization records to see if they are up to date on MMR and other vaccines.
• • Residents can visit myIR via the Arizona Department of Health Services.
  • Assistance is also available through the MCDPH CARES Team at 602-506-6767 Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • If you do not have the recommended doses of MMR vaccine or are unsure if you do, talk with your healthcare provider about next steps.

For more information on measles, visitMaricopa.gov/measles.