1st measles case of year reported in Maricopa County
Key Points:
- Maricopa County health officials confirmed the first measles case of 2026 in the Phoenix area, involving an adult who required hospitalization and had recent international travel exposure.
- The patient was not infectious during travel, but health officials are notifying potential contacts and emphasize vaccination, especially for international travelers.
- The Maricopa County Department of Public Health recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for children and at least one dose for unimmunized adults, highlighting vaccines as the most effective prevention method.
- Measles spreads easily through the air and symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, watery eyes, and rash; individuals with symptoms should self-isolate and seek medical advice.
- Arizona reported 220