Measles case confirmed in Pima County

A person with a confirmed case of measles was quickly hospitalized and isolated in a Tucson medical facility after recently traveling across the border into Southern Arizona, health officials said Thursday.  

"The overall risk to public is low and there is no known exposure at this time," the Pima County Health Department said in a news release.

The Pima County department is working with the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Santa Cruz County Health and Human Services Department to investigate the case. The news release did not specify which border the person crossed, but it was apparently the U.S.-Mexico border since health officials in the border county of Santa Cruz are involved. 

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"Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease. Vaccination is the most effective protection. If you are unvaccinated, you are at higher risk for contracting the disease," the Pima County news release said.

There have been 205 cases of measles in Arizona since June; this is the first in Pima County, officials said. 

Symptoms typically appear 14 days after exposure and may include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash. If anyone suspects they have measles symptoms, they should stay home to prevent further spread and contact their health-care provider or PCHD-Epidemiology for further guidance at 520-724-7797.

For more information about measles and where to get vaccinations, see pima.gov/measles.