Health officials warn of measles exposures at Tempe Marketplace, Surprise Walmart

Key Points:

• Health officials in Maricopa County have confirmed seven measles cases linked to exposures at Tempe Marketplace on July 6 and Walmart in Surprise on July 12, urging visitors to watch for symptoms that can appear 7 to 21 days after exposure.
• Measles symptoms include high fever, red watery eyes, cough, runny nose, and a spreading red rash starting on the face or hairline; the virus can remain airborne for up to two hours, making it highly contagious.
• Maricopa County has reported a significant rise in measles cases in 2026, with 21 confirmed infections compared to an average of one case per year over the past 30 years; additional cases have also been reported in Yavapai County and detected in Sedona wastewater.
• The MMR vaccine is the primary prevention method, requiring two doses for children and at least one dose for adults; about 90% of unvaccinated individuals exposed to measles will become infected.
• There is no specific treatment for measles, which can cause serious complications including a rare, long-term brain disorder; individuals with symptoms are advised to stay home and contact healthcare providers for guidance.