Maricopa County Measles Outbreak Hits 15 Cases — Largest in 30+ Years | Multiple East Valley Exposure Sites Including Hobby Lobby, Dance Recital & Sports Venues | 17GEN4 News Update

PHOENIX — (17GEN4 News) — May 15, 2026 — Maricopa County is facing its largest measles outbreak in more than three decades, with public health officials confirming the 15th case of 2026 on Wednesday and warning of continued local transmission across the East Valley.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) announced the newest case in a county resident on May 13. Officials said the infection is linked to a prior local case with no known travel history or external source of exposure, confirming that measles is spreading within the community. This marks the highest annual total in Maricopa County since at least the mid-1990s and contributes to Arizona’s statewide total of 95 cases, placing the state fifth nationally for measles activity this year.

“Measles is one of the most contagious diseases we know — about 90% of unvaccinated people who are exposed will get infected,” MCDPH stressed in its latest alert. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves a location, making public venues high-risk zones.

Health officials have identified more than a dozen public exposure sites, primarily in Mesa, Queen Creek and Gilbert. Anyone who was at these locations during the specified dates and times — or within two hours after the infected person left — should monitor for symptoms for up to 21 days. The full list of exposure sites includes:

• Arizona Athletic Grounds, Building A (6321 S. Ellsworth Rd., Mesa):

  
  

  Tuesday, May 5, 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (watch until May 26)

  
  

  Wednesday, May 6, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (watch until May 27)

  
  

  Thursday, May 7, 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (watch until May 28)

  
  

  (Earlier visit: Thursday, April 23, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., watch until May 14)

• Pecan Lake Entertainment (25004 S. 206th St., Queen Creek): Wednesday, May 6, 6:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (watch until May 27)

• Club Dance Recital (22149 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek): Friday, May 8, 3:30 p.m.–10:45 p.m. (watch until May 29)

• Hobby Lobby (20004 S. Ellsworth Rd., Queen Creek): Monday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (watch until May 25)

• Walgreens (21212 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek): Monday, May 4, 11:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. (watch until May 25)

• In-N-Out Burger (1650 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa): Sunday, May 3, 3:30 p.m.–5:45 p.m. (watch until May 24)

• Starbound Dance Competition (4132 E. Pecos Rd., Gilbert): Saturday, May 2, 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (watch until May 23)

• Chick-fil-A (4908 S. Power Rd., Mesa): April 29–30 (multiple times, watch until May 20–21)

• Chili’s Grill & Bar (5016 S. Power Rd., Mesa): Wednesday, April 29, 5:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. (watch until May 20)

• Boba CuCue Bubble Tea House (5229 S. Power Rd. # 101, Mesa): Wednesday, April 29, 3:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. (watch until May 20)

• Target (5110 S. Power Rd., Mesa): Wednesday, April 29, 3:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. (watch until May 20)

• V’s Barbershop (9317 E. Ray Rd. # 106, Mesa): Tuesday, April 28, 2:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (watch until May 19)

• Fry’s Food Store (2724 S. Signal Butte Rd., Mesa): Tuesday, April 28, 12:45 p.m.–3:45 p.m. (watch until May 19)

• Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt (5022 S. Power Rd. # 108, Mesa): Saturday, April 25, 6:45 p.m.–9:30 p.m. (watch until May 16)

  
  

Symptoms to watch for typically appear 7–12 days after exposure (but up to 21 days) and begin with a high fever (often 103–105°F), cough, runny nose, red watery eyes and malaise. A red, blotchy rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward, lasting 5–6 days.

What to do if you were exposed or develop symptoms:

• Check your vaccination status immediately via the Arizona MyIR portal or contact your provider.

• Two doses of MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection for most people; one dose is recommended for adults born after 1957 who lack proof of immunity. Infants 6–11 months in outbreak areas should receive an early dose.

• If symptoms appear, stay home and call your healthcare provider before arriving. Tell them about the possible measles exposure so you can be evaluated safely.

• Certain high-risk groups (infants under 12 months, pregnant people, immunocompromised individuals) may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis — contact a provider right away.

  
  

There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles — care is supportive (fever reducers, fluids, rest). Complications can include pneumonia, encephalitis and, rarely, a fatal brain disease years later. The outbreak underscores the critical need for vaccination, especially as cases continue to climb without international travel links. 17GEN4.com