Doctor to Arizonans: Protect yourself as measles cases rise

Cara Christ, MD, MS

Submitted photo

Measles by the Numbers

Here’s a snapshot of measles cases in the U.S. as of July 2, 2025:

1,267: Number of cases

27: Number of outbreaks reported since Jan. 1

12%: Number of hospitalizations

3: Number of confirmed deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates measles numbers on its website every Wednesday.

Source: cdc.gov/measles/data-research/index.html

Health and Safety

Arizona measles outbreak: what to do in case of exposure

Measles cases are climbing in the U.S., with more than 30 states reporting measles cases so far in 2025 — including Arizona.

Measles spreads so easily that 9 out 10 people who are not protected from the virus will become infected with the virus after being exposed. Now is the time to make sure you and your loved ones are protected.

How to protect yourself

The best way to protect against the measles is to get the MMR — measles, mumps and rubella — vaccine. Children ages 12 months to 12 years may get either the MMR or the MMRV — measles, mumps, rubella and varicella — vaccine, which also protects against chickenpox.

The MMR vaccine is recommended for adults born after 1957 who are unvaccinated, unsure of vaccination or immunity status, or who received a measles vaccine before 1968. If you are at an increased risk for serious complications, talk to your health care provider.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for full protection, especially for school-aged children and adults at high risk. Just one dose of the MMR vaccine is 93% effective against measles, and that protection increases to 97% after a second dose.

Reasons to get vaccinated

It’s always better to prevent disease than to treat one after it occurs. Here’s what you should know:

• Vaccines help our body’s immune system learn how to fight germs.
• Vaccines are safe. Before a new vaccine is given to people, extensive safety testing is done.
• Vaccines can prevent serious illness.

I recommend contacting your primary care provider to make an appointment to get the MMR vaccine if you or your child have not already been vaccinated. Most plans cover the full cost of the vaccine if you see an in-network provider.

This information is for educational purposes; individuals should always consult with their health care providers regarding medical care or treatment. Recommendations, services or resources are not a substitute for the advice or recommendation of an individual's physician or health care provider.

Editor’s note: Cara Christ, MD, MS  is chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. Please send your comments to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.