Health officials in Maricopa County are warning the public after identifying a new possible measles exposure in Mesa tied to an ongoing outbreak. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health says the exposure is linked to a person who does not live in the county but visited the area while infectious, and it has added a location in Mesa to its growing list of public exposure sites.
The site identified in Mesa is the Arizona Athletic Grounds at 6321 South Ellsworth Road. Officials say the spectator areas around the baseball and softball fields were potential exposure sites during youth sporting events on January 23 and January 24. Anyone who was in those viewing areas on January 23 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or on January 24 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. is being advised to watch for symptoms through February 14, 2026.
This new Mesa exposure location comes in addition to other public sites where measles exposure may have occurred earlier in the month. The county health department’s updated list of exposure locations also includes a Target store in Gilbert where possible exposure occurred on January 13, an EOS Fitness in Gilbert with possible exposures on January 13 and January 15, a Sam’s Club in Gilbert on January 15, and the Hale Theatre Arizona, where exposure dates included January 5 through January 9. Residents who visited any of these locations during the listed times are urged to monitor for symptoms.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and the virus can remain in the air for up to two hours after an infectious individual leaves a space. Early symptoms can include high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a red, raised rash that typically begins on the face and spreads downward. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that symptoms usually appear seven to 12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to show.
County health officials are reminding people to review their vaccination status and to make sure they are protected against measles. The disease can be prevented with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children typically receive two doses as part of routine immunization, and adults without documented immunity are advised to talk with a healthcare provider about vaccination. Anyone who develops symptoms after a known exposure should stay home and contact a medical professional before visiting a clinic or hospital to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others.
Source: YourValley
