Maricopa County announces 3 cases of measles; 1 hospitalized

PHOENIX — Maricopa County announced Thursday that three individuals have measles, the first confirmed cases in metro Phoenix since 2019.

All three cases are in unvaccinated people, according to a press release from the county.

Two of the infected are children. One of the diagnosed was hospitalized; all three are recovering.

“It’s possible others were exposed and because measles is so contagious, we are working diligently to find out who may have been exposed,” Dr. Nick Staab, a medical epidemiologist with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Thursday.

Measles symptoms are a fever, red eyes, cough, runny nose and a rash that usually begins on the face at the hairline.

The symptoms typically show up 7-12 days after exposure but could take up to 21 days to appear.

Only six other measles cases have been reported in the United States in 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“It doesn’t happen frequently, but it does happen from time to time, usually related to international travel,” Staab said.

Approximately 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to measles end up infected.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccine is available through health care providers. More locations can be found online.

Anyone who develops symptoms is asked to seek medical care and avoid others.

KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Griselda Zetino contributed to this report.

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