More sites added for potential measles exposure in Phoenix

PHOENIX — Valley health officials added new locations Monday where a teen international traveler that tested positive for measles could have exposed others.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health said in a press release that Arizona Mills Mall, a Harkins Theatre inside the mall and Gila River Arena were potential exposure spots.

Officials said the teen was at Arizona Mills from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 10, then at Gila River Arena at 6:30 p.m.

They also said the teen returned to Arizona Mills from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Aug. 11. Officials also warned of exposure at the “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” showings at the Harkins inside the mall at 1:15 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The department on Friday initially confirmed the Arizona Grand Resort and Phoenix Sky Harbor were locations where the teenager traveled.

The teenager was competing in the World Hip Hop Dance Competition on Aug. 9-11 at the Phoenix hotel, according to a Friday press release.

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is preventable with vaccines. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, fever and a rash. It typically appears 7-12 days after exposure but could take up to 21 days.

Officials say those who were at the locations on the dates indicated should watch for symptoms until Sept. 2.

Anyone who believes they have symptoms should let a health care provider know and stay home.

“Measles is the most contagious infectious disease that we know about, and it’s actually contagious four days before you get a rash,” Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for disease control at Maricopa County Public Health, told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Friday.

“That’s why it’s so important for people to notify their health care provider before they get a rash when they get a fever if they’ve been in one of these areas where the case was.”

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