Measles Case Reported in Yavapai County

One confirmed case of measles has been reported in Yavapai County. Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) is actively conducting disease surveillance and has identified five 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 monitor for measles symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms:

• Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, Terminal Three
  • Saturday, May 11 from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
• Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, 11051 N Black Canyon Hwy, Phoenix, AZ
  • Saturday, May 11 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Walmart, 3450 N Glassford Hill, Prescott Valley, AZ
  • Saturday, May 11 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
• Potter’s House Church. 5195 AZ-89, Prescott, AZ
  • Sunday, May 12, 10:30 a.m. service
• Yavapai Regional Medical Center East Campus Emergency Department examination rooms only (no exposure to ED waiting room)
  • Wednesday, May 15, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The symptoms of measles generally appear about 7-21 days after a person is exposed, and include:

• High fever (> 101°F)
• Cough
• Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
• Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Runny nose
• Blotchy rash

Individuals with a fever and rash are advised to see a healthcare provider immediately. Healthcare providers who treat a suspected measles case should notify YCCHS or Arizona Department of Health Services within 24 hours. “Unvaccinated individuals are at highest risk of developing the disease if exposed. The best protection against measles is to receive the measles vaccine,” YCCHS Director Leslie Horton said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children should get two doses of MMR vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 to 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Teens and adults should also be up to date on their MMR vaccination. About 30% of measles cases develop serious complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, encephalitis, and respiratory and neurologic complications. Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that causes fever and rash. It is spread through the air by an infected person breathing, coughing, or sneezing.

About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles are hospitalized. Measles may cause pregnant women who have not had the MMR vaccine to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby.

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.
• If you do not have a healthcare provider and need to seek care, please contact the urgent care or hospital before visiting and let them know that you suspect measles.

Contact your healthcare provider or call YCCHS at (928) 771-3122 to review your situation and determine your eligibility to receive an MMR vaccination. YCCHS will provide more information as the investigation continues.

Visit cdc.gov/measles for more information.