The Pima County Health Department is closely following the ongoing measles investigation taking place in Maricopa County, after confirmation by the Maricopa Department of Public Health that an unvaccinated individual could very likely have exposed others to measles over the last weekend of March 2014.
The unvaccinated individual, who had returned from Europe, may have exposed others at several public locations in Phoenix, including the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.
Individuals visiting any of the Phoenix locations noted in
Maricopa County’s press release during that period of time should call their health provider if they begin exhibiting symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose and rashes.
“Measles is highly-contagious, but it is also very preventable,” explained Dr. Francisco García, the Director and Chief Medical Officer for Pima County. “Vaccines are the best prevention against such diseases. Not only do immunizations protect you and your family members, but as we have seen in this case in Maricopa County, it also helps to ensures that the rest of the community is protected.”
The
Arizona Department of Health Services has more information about measles.
Local residents concerned about this situation or who are interested in how to get vaccinated are encouraged to contact the Pima County Health Department with questions at 520.243.7797.