Measles Exposure Alert Issued For 2 Phoenix-Area Sites

PHOENIX, AZ — Maricopa County health officials are warning that people who visited Chase Field or an East Valley IHOP earlier this month may have been exposed to measles after a non-resident tested positive for the virus.

According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, anyone who was at Chase Field, 401 E. Jefferson St., between 7 p.m. and midnight July 12, or the IHOP at 5020 E. Ray Road between midnight and 3:30 a.m. July 13, may have been exposed.

People who were at Chase Field during that time should monitor for symptoms through Sunday, Aug. 2. Those who visited the IHOP during the exposure window should watch for symptoms through Monday, Aug. 3, health officials said.

Maricopa County has confirmed 25 measles cases among residents this year, far above the county's average of about one case annually over the past three decades.

"The continuing identification of new measles cases and exposures highlights how easily this virus spreads," said Ariella Dale, chief science officer for 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 county issues public exposure alerts when officials cannot identify everyone who may have been exposed, allowing people to take precautions and monitor for symptoms.

Measles symptoms typically develop seven to 21 days after exposure and can include a fever of 101 degrees or higher, cough, runny nose, red, watery eyes and a red, blotchy rash that usually begins on the face before spreading to the rest of the body.

Because the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, the county's exposure windows include that additional period.

Infants younger than 12 months, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems who may have been exposed should contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss preventive treatment.

Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home and call a healthcare provider before seeking medical care to help prevent exposing others.

Residents can also check their vaccination records through the Arizona Department of Health Services' myIR system or contact the Maricopa County Department of Public Health CARES Team at 602-506-6767 on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.