In a follow-up report on measles cases reported in Arizona, state and local health officials have confirmed eight additional cases of measles stemming from the outbreak at the private detention center in Eloy. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to ten.

Public health has issued a community wide health alert for Pinal County as one of the new cases visited multiple locations in and around Casa Grande from May 15 through May 22.

“It’s extremely important that people who have a rash and fever call their healthcare provider or emergency department ahead of time to let them know they may have measles,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “This will help stop the spread of measles, especially to those who are more at risk of developing complications.”

Public exposure for the new case includes:

  • Multiple visits to the Apostolic Assembly – The Faith, 424 E. Frontier Street in Eloy on Sunday May 15 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Monday May 16 from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM, and Wednesday May 18 from 7:00 PM until 10:30 PM.
  • Tuesday, May 17, 2016: Villa Oasis High School graduation, 3740 N Toltec Road in Toltec from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM.
  • Wednesday, May 18, 2016: Cottonwood Medical Center, 560 North Camino Mercado, Unit 7 in Casa Grande from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Previously reported public exposure from another case includes:

  • Saturday, May 21, 2016: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 North Maricopa Road in Maricopa from approximately 6:00 PM until 2:00 AM (May 22).
  • Sunday, May 22, 2016: Arco AM/PM Store, 2245 East Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande from 8:30 AM until 11:00 AM.
Image/CDC
Image/CDC

Symptoms appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. It begins with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose and is followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body and may last five to six days.

What to do if you think you have measles:

  • If you have a healthcare provider, contact him/her by phone and let them know that you may have been exposed to 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 health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room/urgent care center. Please call before going to let them know you may have measles. For more information on measles’ signs and symptoms or where you may find vaccine, please check with your healthcare provider or your county health department.

You are immune to measles if you have received two measles, mumps, and rubella [MMR] vaccines or were born before 1957 and have received one MMR vaccine. Health care providers are required to report suspect cases of measles to their local health department.

Public health continues to investigate contacts and places of exposure for these new cases.

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