An international visitor with measles may have potentially exposed people at several Phoenix-area dining spots, public health officials reported. The individual in question attended a breakfast buffet at The Garden Grille and Bar within the Hilton Garden Inn Chandler Downtown and later visited Twin Peaks Camelback, prompting health officials to monitor for additional cases and surges of measles, a disease noted for its high contagion but preventable nature, according to AZFamily.
The MCDPH complete investigation includes reaching out to individuals who could have crossed paths with the visitor during the mentioned times. Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH, addressed the outbreak and stressed the importance of vaccines, saying, "Measles is highly infectious, potentially serious, and completely preventable," in a statement obtained by azfamily.com, symptoms of measles which typically encompass a high fever, cough, runny nose or red/watery eyes, followed by a rash can appear up to 21 days after exposure and the department advises monitoring for symptoms through Feb. 17.
Concern is rising as Arizona battles with vaccination rates below the threshold required for herd immunity; the Arizona Department of Health Services has indicated that only 89% of kindergarteners in the state are vaccinated against this virus, short of the needed 95%. Given the nature of measles to remain in the air for hours after an infected individual coughs or sneezes, vulnerable populations could easily contract and potentially suffer hospitalizing complications, ranging from pneumonia to brain swelling, as per azfamily.com.
As communities brace for the ripple effects of this measles exposure, Dr. Staab reiterates, "Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable," calling for heightened vigilance, particularly among high-risk groups or individuals who haven't received vaccination.
