COCONINO COUNTY, Ariz. — Health officials have confirmed one case of measles and are investigating a probable second case in Coconino County.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) said disease surveillance is being conducted at five locations where people might have been exposed to the virus as a result of these cases.
The virus is highly contagious and is spread through the air by an infected person breathing, coughing or sneezing, according to CCHHS.
RELATED: Maricopa County Department of Public Health identifies 2 new measles cases, 5 exposure locations
Officials said people may have been exposed at the following locations:
- Planet Fitness located at 4650 US Hwy 89 in Flagstaff | Feb. 11 from 11 p.m. to Feb. 12 at 9 a.m.
- NextCare Urgent Care located at 399 S Malpais Lane STE 100 in Flagstaff | Feb. 16
- Joann Fabric and Craft located at 1514 S Riordan Ranch Road in Flagstaff | Feb. 29 from 12 – 4 p.m.
- Flagstaff Medical Center, Emergency Department, 1200 N Beaver Street in Flagstaff | March 3-5
- SimonMed Imaging located at 1000 N Humphreys St #100 in Flagstaff | March 4
Officials said anyone who visited these locations on these dates and times could have been exposed to and possibly contracted the virus and should monitor themselves for symptoms.
Symptoms appear in 7-21 days and include the following:
- High fever (> 101°F)
- Cough Feeling run down, achy (malaise)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Runny nose
- Blotchy rash
Those who have these symptoms should contact their healthcare providers. If a rash is present then a healthcare provider should be contacted immediately.
The CDC recommends the MMR vaccine to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.
“Unvaccinated individuals are at highest risk of developing the disease if exposed. The best protection against measles is to receive the measles vaccine,” said CCHHS Director Kim Musselman.
About 30% of measles cases develop serious complications, including pneumonia, ear infections, encephalitis, and respiratory and neurologic complications.
Measles may cause pregnant women who have not had the MMR vaccine to give birth prematurely or have a low-birth-weight baby.
Those exposed to the virus should do the following:
- Self-isolate, stay away from others and contact your healthcare provider by phone and let them know you are concerned you may have measles. 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 healthcare provider and need to seek care, please contact the urgent care or hospital before visiting and let them know that you suspect measles.
- Contact your healthcare provider or call the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic at (928) 679-7222 to review your situation and determine your eligibility to receive an MMR vaccination.
In February Maricopa County health officials warned about possible measles exposure at several Valley locations after two cases of the virus were confirmed in the county.
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