Two new cases of measles in the southeast Valley have been traced to exposure at five locations in Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek.

The new cases were reported earlier this month, according to a press release from the Maricopa County Department of Public Health. Both individuals are working with the department to identify additional exposures.

The department has identified five public locations in Queen Creek, Chandler and Gilbert where people may have been exposed.

People who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should watch for symptoms for the 21 days following their exposure:

• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
  21182 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Queen Creek
  6-9:30 p.m., Feb. 17
  Watch for symptoms through March 9
• Honey and Vine Restaurant at San Tan Mountain
  7101 S. Gilbert Road, Chandler
  6-11 p.m., Feb. 14
  Watch for symptoms through March 6
• Orlando Auto Body
  3055 W. Williams Field Road, Gilbert
  3-5:30 p.m., Feb. 16
  Watch for symptoms through March 8
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  1312 E. Motorplex Loop, Gilbert
  
  3:30-6 p.m., Feb. 16
  Watch for symptoms through March 8
• Caldwell County BBQ
  18324 E. Nunneley Road, Gilbert
  6-9:30 p.m., Feb. 16
  Watch for symptoms through March 8

“We need the community’s help to keep measles contained,” stated Dr. Nick Staab, assistant medical director for MCDPH, in the release. “Widespread vaccination with a safe and highly effective measles vaccine is our best chance at keeping measles from coming back the way it was before a vaccine existed.”

According to the CDC, before a vaccine was available, 3-4 million people were infected with measles each year in the United States. Of the cases reported to CDC, 400-500 people died each year from measles, with nearly 50,000 hospitalized each year for severe infections.

The measles virus can survive in the air for several hours and may be transmitted to individuals even after the infected person has left the room, the release stated.

“While most measles infections improve on their own, there is also the potential to become much more serious, including brain swelling and death,” Staab added. “Many of us haven’t known someone who had it or had severe impacts from it, and with enough people vaccinated, we can keep it that way.”

Almost every person exposed to measles will get sick if they have not been vaccinated with the Measles, Mumps, Rubella vaccine or had the disease in the past, the release stated.

“A person with measles can give the disease to other people even before they feel sick. Measles can cause serious illness, especially in young children, pregnant women and people with depressed immune systems,” the release stated.

According to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health, measles usually begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. A rash usually appears three to five days later. The rash often begins on the forehead and spreads downward to other parts of the body. Individuals with a depressed immune system and those vaccinated with MMR between 1964 and 1967 may not have a typical rash. 

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

In the event you experience fever, cough, runny nose, rash or any other symptoms of measles, the department advises to self-isolate, stay away from others and contact your health care provider by phone and let them know you are concerned you may have measles.

Those without a health care provider who need to seek care should contact an urgent care or hospital before visiting and let them know measles are suspected.

Health care providers who think a patient has measles are asked to call 602-506-6767 to notify the health department immediately to start an appropriate follow-up.

For additional information on measles, please visit Maricopa.gov/Measles.