MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz. — A case of measles involving an international visitor has been confirmed in Maricopa County, the county's public health department announced on Saturday.
“Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable,” said Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “We encourage residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccines and watch for symptoms of measles, especially if you are high-risk or unvaccinated,” Staab added.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Visitante internacional da positivo a sarampión en el Condado Maricopa
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious illness in young children, pregnant women and people with weak immune systems. People who aren't vaccinated are the most vulnerable.
Seeing a case pop up in Arizona is concerning for Staab.
"Anytime we have a case of Measles in our community it's a cause of concern because it's so transmissible, so we want to take advantage of this time to make sure the messaging gets out there to encourage people to get vaccinated," Staab said. "It's the easiest way to control this."
The disease often starts with high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. After 3 to 5 days, a rash frequently appears on the forehead before spreading down the body.
It can take up to 21 days for a person to start showing symptoms after being exposed to the disease. And being exposed could be easier than one might think, according to Dr. Wassim Ballan, the Division Chief of Infection Diseases at Phoenix Children's Hospital.
"You don't have to have direct contact with a person who's infected," Ballan said. "If that person was in a room and left there, the air that's in that room is contagious for up to 2 hours after that person leaves."
Measles was considered eradicated in the United States as recently as 2000. However, cases have returned due to declining vaccination rates in recent years, according to Staab.
"It's one of the most easily transmissible infections out there," Staab said. "If you're not vaccinated and you're exposed it's very likely you'll get sick."
The MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine is available for children as young as 12 months old. And getting the vaccine is critical, Ballan said.
"Nine out of 10 people exposed will develop measles if they don't have immunity to it," Ballan said. "It's not an easy infection. It can cause a lot of complications.
"It's always difficult when we see children, specifically, suffering from infections from things that are preventable," Ballan added. "If you are a person who hasn't gotten the vaccine, this is the time."
If you experience any symptoms of measles, the department recommends that you self-isolate and call your healthcare provider or urgent care to let them know you may have measles.
If your healthcare provider thinks you have measles, have them call MCDPH at 602-506-6767.
MCDPH will provide more details about the case as the investigation continues.
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