Health Dept. confirms measles in Maricopa County

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health has confirmed than an unvaccinated person returning from Europe has measles.

While in Maricopa County, officials say this person may have exposed others to the virus in these public locations:

March 29: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4; 6:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

March 30: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Cave Creek Chapel, 38008 N. Basin Rd in Cave Creek (Cave Creek, Desert Ridge and Pinnacle Peak Wards); 1:00 p.m until 5:00 p.m

March 31: Wildflower Bread Company, 15640 N. Hayden Rd. in Scottsdale; 12:00 p.m. until 5p.m

March 31: Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport Terminal 4; 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Authorities say people who were at these locations during those times should monitor for symptoms and call their health provider if they begin to show symptoms. MCDPH says there is no longer concern for residents visiting those public areas now.

"Measles is the most contagious disease known to man which is why when we find one case, we must act quickly to identify additional cases and stop the outbreak as soon as possible," stated Dr. Bob England, MCDPH director. "The frustration is that if enough people get just two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella) vaccine, we would have enough immunity in the population to prevent outbreaks from happening at all."

Measles is highly contagious viral illness spread through coughing, sneezing, and contact with secretions from the nose, mouth, and throat of an infected individual. The virus can survive in the air for hours and could be transmitted even after the infected person is no longer in the area.

Symptoms and MCDPH's tips on what to do if you think you have measles:

For more information and where to find a vaccine, go to:
www.WeArePublicHealth.org
www.cdc.gov/measles