Measles Detected in Arizona Detention Center
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that a detainee at an Arizona Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has contracted measles, a highly contagious virus known for causing severe fevers and a characteristic rash.
Earlier in the month, a spokesperson mentioned that the Arizona Public Health Department identified the active measles infection in a Mexican national housed at the Florence Detention Center.
In response, the ICE Health Services Corp acted swiftly to contain the situation, halting all movements within the facility and quarantining individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.
Located in Pinal County, the Florence Detention Center has since reported an additional two cases of measles in the area.
According to Jassmin Castro, a spokesperson for the Pinal County Public Health Services District, there are currently three confirmed measles cases in the county. She noted that public health protocols are being followed in collaboration with state health partners, and reassured that the overall risk to the community remains low.
This detention center is operated by CoreCivic, a private company responsible for providing health care services to detainees, including screenings, prevention, and treatment, as outlined by spokesperson Brian Todd.
Todd emphasized that the primary concern at CoreCivic is the health and safety of detainees, and that they work closely with ICE to secure the well-being of all individuals in their facility.
The facility ensures that all detainees can access medical care and mental health services daily. For specialized medical needs, partnerships with local hospitals allow for prompt care, with emergency services available 24/7.
Back in 2016, a measles outbreak at an ICE detention center in Pinal County led to over 30 cases among detainees and nine among staff, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of the beginning of this year, Arizona has reported a total of 25 measles cases.
Nationwide, in the previous year, the US noted 2,242 cases of measles, which marks a significant increase compared to any year since the disease was considered eliminated in the US back in 2000.
Dr. Joel Terriquez, medical director for Arizona’s Bureau of Infectious Diseases, indicated that of the cases this year, three are from Pinal County, 17 are linked to a persistent outbreak in Mohave County, three in Maricopa, and one in Pima County.
Before 2025, the CDC reported an average of about 180 measles cases annually since the disease’s elimination, yet this year alone has already seen at least 416 confirmed cases in the United States.
