Measles Exposure at Phoenix Sky Harbor Prompts Vaccination Alert
A confirmed case of measles was reported at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on June 10, triggering a public health alert and reminding Arizona residents to ensure their MMR vaccinations are up to date.
Exposure Details and Locations
Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) announced that an individual contagious with measles passed through Terminal 4’s Concourse C and D between 5 p.m. and midnight on June 10 directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+3maricopa.gov+3directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+3. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after the infected person leaves, raising concern for travelers and airport staff present during that window.
What You Should Do
MCDPH is collaborating with federal, state, and airport officials to notify potential contacts. Travelers who were on the same flight(s) as the individual will receive direct alerts from local health departments maricopa.gov. Officials are urging anyone present in the affected areas during that timeframe to:
- Verify immunity status—2 doses of MMR vaccine or prior confirmed infection;
- Monitor for symptoms over the next 21 days (fever, cough, rash);
- Seek medical care immediately if symptoms develop.
Health officials emphasize that measles is about 90% contagious among those without immunity directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+9directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+9youtube.com+9youtube.com+15azdhs.gov+15directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+15en.wikipedia.org+3directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+3directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+3.
Measles Resurgence and Arizona’s Status
Nationally, the U.S. is experiencing a measles resurgence, with over 1,000 confirmed cases nationwide in 2025—the highest annual total since the disease was declared eliminated in 2000 en.wikipedia.org. Before 2025, Arizona had reported 11 confirmed cases tied to an outbreak at a private detention center in Eloy earlier this year azdhs.gov+2directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+2directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+2. Fortunately, no new cases emerged from that cluster after containment measures were applied.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Importance
Arizona’s kindergarten MMR vaccination rate currently stands at approximately 89.3%, below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity en.wikipedia.org+2azdhs.gov+2en.wikipedia.org+2. Public health officials stress that under-vaccinated populations fuel outbreaks and elevate risks in travel hubs like Sky Harbor.
Dr. Nick Staab, Chief Medical Officer for MCDPH, reminded travelers: “With a virus as highly infectious as measles, it’s a reminder that we all should stay up‑to‑date on our vaccines” maricopa.gov+1directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov+1.
Local and National Responses
Maricopa County is working with airline partners and the CDC to trace and notify exposed individuals. Meanwhile, the Arizona Department of Health Services continues to monitor national outbreaks and coordinate with local partners to deploy immunization clinics or mobile vaccination units, when needed.
Beyond Arizona, public health agencies are facing renewed pressure to address rising measles in states like Texas and New Mexico, some of which have recorded deaths among unvaccinated individuals .
What Travelers Should Know
| Tips for Travelers | Description |
| Check vaccine status | Confirm you’ve received 2 doses of MMR or documented measles immunity |
| Watch for symptoms | Rash, fever over 101°F, cough, runny nose, red eyes; average incubation: 7–14 days |
| Limit exposure | Inform doctors and isolate if symptomatic after being in exposure zone |
| Stay updated | Visit local health department websites and the CDC for travel advisories |
Why This Matters for Arizona
Phoenix’s status as an international travel hub increases the risk of imported infections. With statewide vaccination rates below optimal levels, even one case in a high-traffic location can seed a new outbreak. Timely detection and communication are critical to preventing further spread.
Outlook and Prevention
Maricopa County continues outreach efforts at schools, clinics, and community centers to boost MMR vaccination rates before school starts in August. Local health departments are also preparing containment strategies, including contact tracing and public alerts, to mitigate potential measles spread.
Residents are strongly encouraged to review their vaccine records and consult healthcare providers if uncertain about their immunity.