Health Alert: Third confirmed measles case under investigation in Pima County

Health Alert: Third confirmed measles case
under investigation in Pima County

PIMA COUNTY, Jan. 27, 2026 — The Pima County Health Department (PCHD), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and local healthcare partners, is investigating a third confirmed case of measles in Pima County involving a Tucson resident.

The individual was not fully vaccinated and developed symptoms following direct exposure to a previously reported measles case in Pima County. The individual is not hospitalized and is isolating and recovering at home.

PCHD is conducting a comprehensive public health investigation to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed. State, regional and local public health and healthcare partners remain on high alert and in close coordination.

Public exposure locations

PCHD has identified the following locations where potential exposure to measles may have occurred. Individuals who were present at these locations during the dates and times listed below should monitor for symptoms through the indicated date. The Health Department is working with other jurisdictions where exposures may have occurred.

As part of contact tracing efforts, PCHD will be contacting individuals who may have been exposed. Residents are asked to answer phone calls and respond promptly to public health outreach to support these efforts. Calls from PCHD will come from a 520-724 phone number.

Symptom monitoring

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed to measles and is experiencing symptoms should:

• Stay home and avoid contact with others
• Contact a healthcare provider or PCHD (520-724-7797) before seeking in-person care
• Follow public health guidance to prevent further spread

Individuals should remain aware and monitor for symptoms if they were present at the locations during the dates and timeframes listed above.

Symptoms typically appear 7–14 days after exposure and may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red, watery eyes
• A rash that usually begins on the face and spreads downward

Vaccination information

Measles is a highly contagious but preventable disease. Vaccination remains the most effective protection:

• One dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is about 93% effective
• Two doses are about 97% effective
• Individuals born before 1957 are generally considered immune
• People who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated are at higher risk of infection

“While no vaccine provides 100% protection, two doses of the MMR vaccine offer very strong immunity,” said Dr. Theresa Cullen, Pima County Health Director. “Because immune responses can vary from person to person, high community vaccination coverage is essential to protect those who are most vulnerable and to limit the spread of measles.”

MMR vaccinations are available at all Pima County Health Department clinics, regardless of insurance status. Clinic hours and locations are available on the Health Department’s website.

The vaccine is also available at many commercial pharmacies, primary care providers and federally qualified health centers.

For more information about measles and where to get vaccinated, visit pima.gov/measles or contact PCHD Epidemiology at 520-724-7797.

More about measles

• Measles is a serious viral infection that can cause permanent damage or even death, especially for children under age 5. Measles is one of the most contagious illnesses—it can spread through direct contact, infected surfaces and live in the air for up to two hours.

• Symptoms can begin about 14 days after being exposed and can include a high fever (104°F to 105.8°F), a full-body rash that usually starts a few days after the fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea and red, watery eyes.
• Serious complications can include permanent hearing problems or vision loss, pneumonia, brain damage and death.

More info

• AZDHS, Measles
• CDC - Measles Cases and Outbreaks 
• CDC - Questions About Measles 

Media availability 

Public health officials will continue to share updates as more information becomes available. Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen, Dr. Sudha Nagalingam from El Rio Health and Dr. Lindsay Kohler from PCHD Epidemiology will be available for media questions on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at noon via Microsoft Teams. To participate, use the Teams link.