Since the end of last week, our disease detectives have been working with our local public health departments to investigate an outbreak of measles associated with the private detention center in Eloy. This weekend we confirmed an additional nine cases of measles in the outbreak, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to eleven- and our investigation continues to evolve. Given how contagious measles is, public health is continuing to follow protocols for measles investigation to reduce the chance of disease spread. One of these steps is to identify potential contacts and take steps to prevent them from spreading it further. We will continue to update our communities on places of potential exposure.
It is important to know your immunization status. You are immune to measles if you have received two measles, mumps, and rubella Symptoms appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days. It begins with fever (101 F or higher), red, watery eyes, cough and runny nose and is followed by a rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins on the face at the hairline and moves down the body. The rash may last five to six days. People who have a rash and fever must call their healthcare provider or emergency department before going to let them know they may have measles. This is vital to help stop the further spread of the disease. We are working with Pinal and Maricopa Counties to identify places in the community where people may have been exposed to measles. If you are not sure of your vaccination status, or have children less than a year old and visited one of the areas listed below, it is important that you monitor yourself and kids for symptoms. The areas in Pinal and Maricopa Counties where people could have been exposed to measles are: Multiple visits to the Apostolic Assembly – The Faith, 424 E. Frontier Street in Eloy on: Sunday May 15 from 1 to 3 p.m., Monday May 16 from 6 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday May 18 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016: Villa Oasis High School graduation, 3740 N Toltec Road in Toltec from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, 2016: Denny’s, 1851 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Wal-Mart Pharmacy, 1741 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19, 2016: Wal-Mart Pharmacy, 1741 E Florence Blvd Casa Grande, from 5 to 8 p.m. Daily between May 20, 2016 and May 29, 2016: Circle K, 2382 N Pinal Ave, Casa Grande Friday, May 20, 2016: Safeway, 1449 N Arizona Blvd, Coolidge, from 4 to 7 p.m. Golden Corral, 2064 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, from 8 to 11 p.m. Ross, 1004 N Promenade Pkwy, Casa Grande, from 9 p.m. to midnight Walmart, 1741 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Corner Store, 2182 E Florence Blvd, Casa Grande, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, May 21, 2016: Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, 15406 North Maricopa Road in Maricopa from approximately 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. (May 22). Sunday, May 22, 2016: Arco AM/PM Store, 2245 East Florence Boulevard in Casa Grande from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Friday, May 27, 2016: Cheddars, 2530 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, from 5 to 9 p.m. If you are concerned you may have been exposed to measles and are having symptoms, contact your healthcare by phone first and let them know that you may have been exposed. They will let you know when to visit their office so as not to expose others in the waiting area. If you do not have a health care provider, you may need to be seen at your local hospital emergency room or urgent care center. Please call before going to let them know you may have measles. For more information on measles’ signs and symptoms or where you may find vaccine, please check with your healthcare provider or your county health department. We will continue update the community with new information about the outbreak. For outbreak-related questions, community members may call 602-839-2275.
