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Health Alert: Confirmed measles case under investigation in Pima County
PIMA COUNTY, July 17, 2026 — The Pima County Health Department (PCHD), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and local healthcare partners, is investigating a confirmed case of measles in Pima County involving a Tucson resident.
The individual was fully vaccinated and developed symptoms after returning to Arizona from international travel. The individual is not hospitalized and is isolating and recovering at home.
PCHD is conducting a public health investigation to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. Currently, the overall risk to the general public remains low. ADHS, PCHD and regional healthcare systems remain on high alert.
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 may be at increased risk for exposure and should monitor for symptoms through the indicated date.
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Location
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Date
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Time
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Watch for symptoms through this date
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La Posada Oro Valley
11050 N. Avenida Posada De Oro
Oro Valley, AZ
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July 9, 2026
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10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
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July 31, 2026
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L.A. Fitness
4240 N. 1st Ave
Tucson, AZ
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July 9, 2026
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8-11:30 p.m.
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July 31, 2026
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Sprouts
4282 N. 1st Ave.
Tucson, AZ
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July 9, 2026
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9 p.m -midnight
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July 31, 2026
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Quiktrip
68 W. River Rd.
Tucson, AZ
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July 10, 2026
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9 a.m.-noon
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Aug. 1, 2026
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La Posada Oro Valley
1050 N. Avenida Posada De Oro
Oro Valley, AZ
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July 10, 2026
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10 a.m.-10 p.m.
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Aug. 1, 2026
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Tucson Mall
500 N. Oracle Road
Tucson, AZ
(Hollister/Aeropostale, HMN, Lids and Pink)
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July 11, 2026
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5-9:30 p.m.
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Aug. 2, 2026
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Banner - University Medical Center South, Emergency Department
2800 E. Ajo Way
Tucson, AZ
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July 14, 2026
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7 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
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Aug. 5, 2026
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Walmart
455 E. Wetmore Rd
Tucson, AZ
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July 14, 2026
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7-9:30 p.m.
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Aug. 5, 2026
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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. Those exposed may also receive a text message from the Health Department.
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
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