FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – One confirmed and one probable case of measles has been reported in Coconino County. Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) 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:
Planet Fitness, 4650 US Hwy 89, Flagstaff, AZ:
- Sunday, February 11 from 11 p.m. to Monday, February 12 at 9 a.m.
NextCare Urgent Care, 399 S Malpais Ln STE 100, Flagstaff, AZ
- Sunday, February 18
Joann Fabric and Craft, 1514 S Riordan Ranch Rd, Flagstaff AZ
- Thursday, February 29 from 12 – 4 p.m.
Flagstaff Medical Center, Emergency Department, 1200 N Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ
- Sunday, March 3
- Tuesday, March 5
SimonMed Imaging, Flagstaff, 1000 N Humphreys St #100, Flagstaff, AZ
- Monday, March 4
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 CCHHS 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,” CCHHS Director Kim Musselman 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 the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic at (928) 679-7222 to review your situation and determine your eligibility to receive an MMR vaccination.
CCHHS will provide more information as the investigation continues.
Visit cdc.gov/measles/index.html for more information.
