Updated
Updated · The Arizona Republic · May 13
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?