Health authorities confirm measles case in Tucson resident - EUROPE SAYS
A case of measles has been confirmed in a Tucson resident. The individual, who is fully vaccinated against the disease, developed symptoms after returning to Arizona from international travel, according to a. . .
A case of measles has been confirmed in a Tucson resident. The individual, who is fully vaccinated against the disease, developed symptoms after returning to Arizona from international travel, according to a press release. They are currently isolating and recovering at home. The Pima County Health Department (PCHD) identified the case in coordination with state health officials. Arizona is currently experiencing an ongoing outbreak of measles along the Arizona-Utah border going back to August 2025. . As of July 14, health officials reported 332 measles cases and 25 hospitalizations in the state. One case was reported in Pima County in 2025 and two previous cases were reported earlier this year. In April, state health officials confirmed that a 1-year-old child in Pima County was suffering from a rare measles vaccine side effect and did not have the measles as previously suspected. Potential exposure locationsWhile officials state the overall risk to the general public remains low, a public health investigation is underway to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed, officials said. The health department identified several locations where the public may have been exposed between July 9 and July 14:La Posada Oro Valley: July 9, from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m. and July 10, from 10 a. m. to 10 p. m. L. A. Fitness, 4240 N. 1st Ave, Tucson: July 9, from 8 p. m. to 11:30 p. m. Sprouts, 4282 N. 1st Ave, Tucson: July 9, from 9 p. m. to midnight. Quiktrip, 68 W. River Rd, Tucson: July 10, from 9 a. m. to noon. Tucson Mall (specifically Hollister/Aeropostale, HMN, Lids, and Pink): July 11, from 5 p. m. to 9:30 p. m. Banner – University Medical Center South, Emergency Department: July 14, from 7 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. What to watch forSymptoms typically appear seven to 14 days after exposure and often include a high fever of up to 105. 8 degrees, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A characteristic rash usually begins on the face and spreads downward across the body. Health officials warn that measles is one of the most contagious illnesses and can live in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the area. Young children and immunocompromised individuals are at the highest risk. The current measles death rate in the U. S. is approximately one to two deaths per 1,000 reported cases, but it can be as high as three deaths per 1,000 in strictly unvaccinated populations, according to the National Institutes of Health. Hospitalization rates reach nearly one in 20 cases. Health officials ask anyone who believes they were exposed and is experiencing symptoms to do the following:Stay home and avoid contact with others. Contact a healthcare provider or PCHD (520-724-7797) before seeking in-person care to prevent further spread in waiting rooms. Answer calls from “520-724” numbers, as PCHD staff are conducting contact tracing via phone and text. Vaccination remains the best defense, with two doses of the MMR vaccine providing approximately 97% effectiveness. Residents can find vaccination clinics at pima. gov/measles. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security confirmed earlier this month that at least seven detained people at the Florence Detention Center contracted measles A case of measles was reported at the same detention center in January.