Arizona is now facing its largest measles outbreak in over 30 years, prompting state health officials to urgently recommend vaccinations. As of this week, 111 confirmed cases have been reported—107 of them tied to a growing outbreak in Mohave County, near the Utah border.
The outbreak is directly linked to an ongoing surge in southwest Utah. Officials confirmed that almost all Arizona cases involve individuals who are unvaccinated. Nicole Witt, Arizona’s assistant director for public health preparedness, stressed the need for vaccination to prevent further spread and complications.
Health data reveals that Mohave County’s kindergarten vaccination rate is around 77%, significantly below the 95% threshold health officials consider necessary for herd immunity. The overall statewide coverage is approximately 89%, but that still falls short of recommended levels.
So far, three people have been hospitalized, though no deaths have been reported. Officials are warning the public that measles is extremely contagious and can linger in the air for up to two hours after an infected person has left the room. Symptoms typically begin a week or two after exposure and include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery eyes, and a distinctive rash.
Doctors warn of serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis, which can lead to long-term damage or death. Though the majority of people recover, the risks to infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are substantial.
Health officials are urging Arizona residents to check their vaccination status and speak with their healthcare providers. The state recommends the MMR vaccine for both children and adults who have not yet received it. With other states also reporting outbreaks, the concern is growing that more regions could be impacted if immunization rates do not rise.
