What started as a fun night out at a concert or a casual weekend shopping trip may have come with an unwelcome extra: a possible measles exposure.
Maricopa County public health officials warned Tuesday that a person with confirmed measles may have exposed concertgoers at Chase Field and shoppers at Chandler Fashion Center over the weekend. The county has now added six public exposure sites tied to the case and is urging anyone who was at those locations on July 12–13 to check their vaccination status and watch for symptoms.
New public exposure sites
According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, the newly listed locations include The Taco Spot and the Sonesta Select Hotel in Chandler; Chase Field during the Fuerza Regida concert on July 12 (7 p.m. to midnight); an IHOP on Ray Road; bb.q Chicken; and Chandler Fashion Center on July 13.
The county notice details specific exposure windows along with site-specific watch-through dates, generally in late July or the first days of August. Anyone who visited those places during the posted times is urged to monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days and call a healthcare provider if they start to feel sick.
“The continuing identification of new measles cases and exposures highlights how easily this virus spreads,” said Ariella Dale, Ph.D., chief science officer at the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. “We have an effective, trusted vaccine that has kept the virus from spreading like this for decades. As a community, we can use that same tool to stop spread now,” the agency added. Maricopa County reports there have been 25 confirmed measles cases in the county this year.
Symptoms and vaccine advice
Measles often starts with a high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes. A few days later, a red, raised rash typically appears, beginning on the face and then spreading downward across the body.
The CDC notes that measles is extremely contagious and can infect more than 90% of nonimmune close contacts. The agency recommends the routine two-dose MMR vaccine series, and in outbreak settings local health officials may advise an early MMR dose for infants 6 to 11 months old.
If you were at these locations
If you were at any of the listed venues during the exposure windows, officials say you should check your immunization records and contact your healthcare provider if symptoms develop. Call first before showing up in person so staff can take precautions if measles is suspected.
People who may be eligible for post-exposure prophylaxis, including some infants, pregnant people, and people with weakened immune systems, should reach out to their provider or contact the MCDPH CARES Team at 602-506-6767 for guidance, as reported by Arizona’s Family.
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