Maricopa Measles Cases Hit 15, Highest in 30 Years as Arizona Total Reaches 95
Updated
Updated · The Arizona Republic · May 13
Maricopa Measles Cases Hit 15, Highest in 30 Years as Arizona Total Reaches 95
3 articles · Updated · The Arizona Republic · May 13
Maricopa County confirmed 1 more measles case on May 13, lifting its 2026 total to 15—the county’s highest count in at least 30 years.
Seven exposure sites were listed across Mesa, Queen Creek and Gilbert, including Arizona Athletic Grounds, a dance recital, Hobby Lobby, Walgreens and In-N-Out, with visits spanning May 2 to May 8.
Health officials said the new patient was likely exposed locally, underscoring ongoing community transmission risk in the East Valley.
Arizona’s statewide measles count reached 95 on May 13, ranking fifth nationally behind South Carolina, Utah, Texas and Florida.
Measles can linger in the air for up to 2 hours and infect about 90% of unvaccinated exposed people; officials urged MMR vaccination and symptom monitoring for up to 21 days after exposure.
Measles was eliminated in the US two decades ago. How did it return as a major public health threat?
As a measles outbreak grows, why might Arizona vote to end school vaccine requirements?
What is the true financial cost of a measles outbreak, and who ultimately pays the price?