Arizona’s battle with measles is ramping up, as Maricopa County reports new cases of the swiftly spreading disease. Health officials announced that two more individuals have tested positive for measles, bringing new urgency to a situation that was already causing concern. According to the Phoenix New Times, these cases are particularly alarming because one has “no known source of exposure,” which indicates that measles is transmitting within the community.
Last week, the Maricopa County Department of Public Health noted the first measles case in the county for this year, separate from Colorado City’s larger outbreak. Following this, the department has confirmed that an additional two individuals in the region have contracted the virus, implying an imminent risk of a growing outbreak. As reported by KJZZ, health officials have flagged several locations in Gilbert where the public may have been exposed, including a Target on Warner Road, EoS Fitness on Val Vista Drive, and a Sam’s Club on Gilbert Road.
Focusing on the response, Dr. Nick Staab, the chief medical officer for the Maricopa County health department, emphasized the effectiveness of vaccination. “If you’ve been hesitating or wondering if you should get the measles vaccine, this is a reminder that measles can spread rapidly and can be very serious,” Staab said in a statement obtained by the Phoenix New Times. “You can protect yourself and those around you with a proven, effective vaccine.” The seriousness of this spread is underscored by the fact that measles can severely weaken the immune system, potentially leading to grave complications…