February 21, 2024

The Arizona Department of Health Services advises the public that a case of measles was confirmed in an international traveler, in Maricopa County last week.

Although there have been no additional cases so far, and measles is uncommon in the United States, DHS says that if you lack immunity and are exposed to the virus you have a 90% chance of becoming infected. About one in five cases of measles in unvaccinated people in the U.S. leads to hospitalization.

The virus spreads very easily through the air and by infecting surfaces; and it can remain in the air for several hours after the infected person leaves.

Health officials say the MMR vaccine is proven to be safe and highly effective, and they advise Arizonans to check your family’s vaccination status.

Josh Freeman | KAZM News Director | josh@mellowmountainradio.com