The measles outbreak in Maricopa County is picking up steam, with officials announcing two new cases tied to an exposure that occurred earlier this month. In the wake of the latest developments, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health has released a list of five spots where the risk of exposure may have been at its peak.

Those who visited Honey and Vine Restaurant at San Tan Mountain or made a pit stop at Orlando Auto Body, both in Gilbert, could have been exposed to the highly contagious virus. Similarly, at-risk are patrons who dropped by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Caldwell County BBQ, or treated themselves at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream in Queen Creek at specific dates and times.

According to the health department, the public needs to keep an eye out for symptoms until early March, depending on their potential exposure date. Measles, an infection that starts with fever, cough, and a distinctive rash, can spread like wildfire among the unvaccinated.

"We need the community’s help to keep measles contained," Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH, reportedly said. "Widespread vaccination with a safe and highly effective measles vaccine is our best chance at keeping measles from coming back the way it was before a vaccine existed." The measles virus isn't to be taken lightly – it's a resilient bugger, capable of surviving for hours in the air and infecting people even after the sick person has hit the road.

Thankfully, modern medicine comes with a shield – the measles vaccine – that offers approximately 97% protection with two doses, remarkably slashing the chances of contracting the infection. Despite the high efficacy of the vaccine, measles can escalate to dire consequences like brain swelling and even death, a grave reminder by Dr. Staab of the importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations.