Arizona Confirms First Measles Case of 2024

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) today confirmed a measles case involving an international visitor. This is the first measles case in 2024. 

During 2021, there were 67 measles cases in Arizona. 

Maricopa County, which includes the city of Phoenix, has a population of about 4.5 million. 

On February 10, 2024, Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH, commented in a press release, "Measles is both highly infectious and completely preventable."

"We encourage residents to stay up-to-date on their vaccines and watch for symptoms of measles, especially if you are high-risk or unvaccinated," Dr. Staab added.

It can take up to 21 days after their last exposure for a person infected with measles to start showing symptoms.

Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease. Various measles vaccines are offered at most clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.

A CBS News investigation revealed on January 30, 2024, that at least 8,500 U.S. schools risk measles outbreaks in 2024 due to low vaccination rates. Data sources indicate about 90% of children in Arizona have been vaccinated against the measles virus.

During the first six weeks of 2024, measles cases were reported in Dayton, San Diego, Montgomery County, MD, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Northern Virginia, Camden County, NJ, Kansas City, Wilmington, and Clark and Wahkiakum Washington counties.

As of January 25, 2024, the U.S. CDC reported a total of 9 measles cases were reported by four jurisdictions, mainly related to international travelers. During 2023, a total of 58 measles cases were reported by 20 jurisdictions.

In 2023, the CDC published a global Watch-Level 1, Travel Health Notice, identifying measles outbreaks in 47 countries.