TEMPE, AZ
Health officials are alerting shoppers in the East and West valleys about potential measles exposures.
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has confirmed that seven residents tested positive for measles, and some visited local businesses while possibly contagious.
Possible exposure locations include:
| Location | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe | July 6 | 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
| Walmart | 13770 W. Bell Rd., Surprise | July 12 | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
Anyone who was at these locations should monitor for symptoms, typically showing up seven to 12 days after exposure.
Symptoms can, in some cases, take up to 21 days to appear. Health officials indicate that the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours.
Symptoms may include:
- High fever (over 101 degrees)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, raised, blotchy rash, often starting at the face or hairline and spreading downward
A spreading issue
Measles is extremely contagious, and Maricopa County has seen a notable rise in cases this year.
The new infections have brought the total to 21 confirmed cases in 2026, a significant increase from the average of about one case annually over the past three decades.
This issue isn’t just isolated to the Valley.
A case was also reported in Yavapai County, and the virus was detected in a wastewater treatment facility in Sedona.
Are you at risk?
Officials emphasize that measles can be prevented with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is usually given during childhood. Adults require at least one dose of the MMR vaccine after age one.
According to MCDPH, roughly 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will contract it.
There’s no specific treatment for measles, and the illness can cause serious complications. In rare situations, long-term effects may include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a progressive brain disorder that might not manifest until years after the initial infection.
If you develop symptoms, health officials advise staying home and consulting your healthcare provider for further guidance.
For additional information on measles and possible complications, you can visit the MCDPH website.
