Three reported measles cases in Maricopa County

The Arizona Department of Health Services advises the community to get the measles (MMR) vaccine

(KYMA, KECY) - The Arizona Department of Health services reported three measles cases in Maricopa County and reminds the community how measles is a rare and highly contagious disease and that the measles (MMR) vaccine is highly effective.

Measles was a common disease that infants, children and young adults can obtain and can be severe, where about two out of 1,000 people die of the disease and one out of every 1,000 people can develop brain swelling that can turn into permanent brain damage.

Symptoms occur such as having a rash on the head that can spread to the rest of the body and can be obtained by respiratory droplets that can stay in the air up to two hours and with direct contact with droplets on surfaces.

The measles (MMR) vaccine is highly effective and is the best way to prevent the disease from spreading.

During the 2021-2022 school year, 90.6% Arizona kindergarten students were vaccinated but was short of the 95% considered necessary to prevent outbreaks.

Here is more information on measles and how to get vaccinated.