By admin 
TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – An international visitor who traveled to Pima County has developed measles, the Pima County Health Department announced Friday, Sept. 25.
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The PCHD said the person “developed symptoms following direct exposure to a previously reported case in Colorado,” and visited a local hospital while in southern Arizona.
The person, who is isolating and recovering at home, was at the Banner ER on North Campbell Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. The PCHD did not say if the person was in public any other time.
“The overall risk to the public is low,” the PCHD said in a release. “PCHD is conducting a comprehensive public health investigation to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. State, regional, and local public health and healthcare partners remain on high alert and in close coordination.”
Anyone who was at the hospital should keep an eye out for symptoms. The PCHD said if it calls you, the phone number will start with 520-724.
Symptom monitoring
Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles and is experiencing symptoms should:
- Stay home and avoid contact with others
- Contact a healthcare provider or PCHD (520-724-7797) before seeking in-person care
- Follow public health guidance to prevent further spread
Individuals should remain aware and monitor for symptoms if they were present at the locations during the dates and timeframes listed above.
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Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Runny nose
- Red, watery eyes
- A rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward
Vaccination information
Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease. Vaccination remains the most effective protection:
- One dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is about 93% effective
- Two doses are about 97% effective
- Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune
- People who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are at higher risk of infection
“While no vaccine provides 100% protection, two doses of the MMR vaccine offer very strong immunity,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Director. “Because immune responses can vary from person to person, high community vaccination coverage is essential to protect those who are most vulnerable and to limit the spread of measles.”
MMR vaccinations are available at all Pima County Health Department clinics, regardless of insurance status. Clinic hours and locations are available on the Health Department’s website.
The vaccine is also available at many commercial pharmacies, primary care providers, and federally qualified health centers.
For more information about measles and where to get vaccinated, visit pima.gov/measles or contact PCHD Epidemiology at 520-724-7797.
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More about measles
- Measles is a serious viral infection that can cause permanent damage or even death, especially for children under age 5. Measles is one of the most contagious illnesses—it can spread through direct contact, infected surfaces and live in the air for up to two hours.
- Symptoms can begin about 14 days after being exposed and can include a high fever (104°F to 105.8°F), a full-body rash that usually starts a few days after the fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea and red, watery eyes.
- Serious complications can include permanent hearing problems or vision loss, pneumonia, brain damage and death.
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