Health officials have identified a possible measles exposure at Tempe Marketplace, urging shoppers who were there on the evening of July 6 to monitor their health and confirm their vaccination status. The Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) reported the potential exposure as part of a cluster that has pushed the county’s confirmed total to 21 cases in 2026, a sharp rise from the typical one-per-year average.
Where and when the exposures occurred
MCDPH listed two specific public locations connected to recently confirmed cases. Local residents who visited these places during the listed times should be alert for symptoms and contact their health care provider if they fall ill.
| Location | Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe | July 6 | 5 p.m.–8:30 p.m. |
| Walmart | 13770 W. Bell Rd., Surprise | July 12 | 2 p.m.–6 p.m. |
Symptoms, timing and precautions
Measles symptoms usually appear within 7 to 12 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days to develop. Health officials remind people the virus can linger in the air for up to two hours, so being in the same indoor space where an infected person was present can pose a risk.
- High fever (above 101 F)
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough and runny nose
- A red, raised, blotchy rash often beginning at the face or hairline
There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles. MCDPH advises anyone who develops symptoms to stay home and call their health care provider or local clinic for guidance rather than going directly to urgent care or the emergency room.
Vaccination advice and local context
Measles is highly contagious. According to county guidance, about 90% of unvaccinated people exposed to the virus will become infected. The disease is preventable with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine: two doses are standard in childhood, and adults should have at least one dose given after age 1 if they lack documented immunity.
This year’s rise in cases is not isolated to Tempe or Maricopa County. Health officials also reported a case in Yavapai County, and the virus has been detected in wastewater in Sedona, signaling broader circulation in the region. For Tempe residents, the spike underscores the importance of checking vaccine records before the fall and taking precautions when outbreaks appear in public venues.
Businesses and community sites across the Valley saw increased public-health messaging as local officials worked to contain spread. For parents, caregivers and those working with vulnerable populations, ensuring up-to-date vaccination is the clearest defense.
For more information on measles, symptoms and where to get vaccinated, residents should consult the Maricopa County Department of Public Health website or contact their health care provider.
