People were exposed to measles at a Phoenix hotel and a concert that took place on Wednesday Nov. 5, Maricopa County health officials said.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health confirmed that a visitor from outside the county has been confirmed with measles and may have exposed people at the two locations:

• Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown 
• 125 E. Jackson St., Phoenix
• Nov. 5 at 3 p.m. through 1 p.m. Nov. 6
• Concert at Mortgage Matchup Center
• 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix
• Nov. 5 from 6 p.m. through 12:30 a.m. Nov. 6

Health officials advise those who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms through Nov. 27.

“We are working closely with partners at the city and state levels, as well as at venues where the exposures occurred, to ensure that people are aware and protected,” Dr. Nick Staab, chief medical officer at MCDPH, said.

“This is a good reminder that any of us can face an exposure and being vaccinated is our best defense.”

Measles is a highly infectious virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, and approximately 90% of unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to measles will become infected, according to the county.

It is preventable with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, typically given during childhood. Adults need at least one dose of MMR vaccine given after the age of one. Individuals born before 1957 or who had measles as a child are considered immune, MCDPH officials said.

Symptoms include:

• Fever (101 F or higher)
• Red, watery eyes
• Cough 
• Runny nose 
• A rash that is red, raised, and blotchy. The rash begins after other symptoms, usually on the face at the hairline, and moves down the body. The rash may last five to six days.

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