Measles exposure linked to teen at dance competition in Phoenix
Aug 23, 2019, 5:05 PM | Updated: Aug 25, 2019, 8:27 am
(Pixabay Photo)
PHOENIX — Valley health officials are warning the public that a teen international traveler tested positive for measles and could have exposed others.
According to a press release from Maricopa County of Department of Public Health on Friday, the teenager was competing in the World Hip Hop Dance Competition on Aug. 9-11 at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix.
Officials also confirmed the teenager was at Sky Harbor Terminal 2 between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. Aug. 11.
“Since we’re still finding out more information about where this individual was, people can stay up to date on where more exposure occurred by going to wearepublichealth.org,” Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director for disease control at Maricopa County Public Health, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.
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 Arizona Grand or Sky Harbor 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,” Sunenshine said. “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.”
KTAR 92.3 FM’S Nailea Leon contributed to this report.