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Health officials are warning shoppers about possible measles exposures in both the East and West valleys
The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) says seven residents have tested positive for measles, and some visited local businesses while potentially contagious
Officials say possible exposures occurred at the following locations:
| 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 visited these locations should watch for symptoms, which typically appear seven to 12 days after being exposed
In some cases, symptoms may take up to 21 days to show up. Health officials say the virus can survive in the air for up to two hours
- High fever (above 101 degrees)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, raised, blotchy rash (often starts on the face or hairline and spreads down the body)
Measles is highly contagious, and Maricopa County has reported far more cases than usual this year
The latest infections bring the county’s total to 21 confirmed cases so far in 2026. It’s a stark increase from the average of about one case per year over the past 30 years
It’s also beyond the Valley
An additional measles case was reported in Yavapai Countyon Thursday, and the virus was also recently detected in a wastewater treatment facility in Sedona
Officials say measles is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, typically given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after age 1
MCDPH says about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will become infected
There is no specific treatment for measles, and the illness can lead to serious complications. In rare cases, long-term effects can include subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a progressive brain disorder that may not appear until years after the initial infection
If you develop symptoms, officials recommend staying home and calling your health care provider for guidance
More information on measles, including possible complications, can be found on MCDPH‘s website
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