In January, Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) leaders expressed concern that the number of measles cases continues to rise in the new year.
Arizona is experiencing an ongoing outbreak of measles along the Arizona-Utah border, which began in August 2025. While the cases by the date of a Jan. 12 media briefing were restricted to Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Pima counties, the first 2026 case in Maricopa County was confirmed just days later, according to news reports, as well as new cases in two other counties – bringing the total to nine new cases in one week.
Measles is highly contagious – roughly 90 percent of those exposed will contract the virus – and anyone who is not immune from either a previous measles infection or vaccination can get measles. In addition, approximately 30 percent of those infected develop complications.
State health officials also reminded residents that babies under 12 months are too young for their first MMR dose, so they rely on the protection of those around them, adding that when you vaccinate your child, you’re helping protect infants, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.
At a Jan. 20 briefing, Dr. Richard Carmona, former U.S. Surgeon General and current Arizona state advisor, said, “Vaccines are essential for the health, safety and security of our state and our nation. They are safe. And for those people who are confused, we know there are many, because there is a great deal of disinformation out there, please talk to your healthcare provider. Go to the ADHS website. There are a number of places you can look to find nonpartisan, scientific information to help you make the best decisions for you and your family.”
He added, “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of addressing the issue of vaccinable diseases and ensuring that everybody who is eligible, please get vaccinated. It not only protects you; it protects you from spreading disease to others. And many of those others are people who could be at significant risk.”
To learn more, visit www.azdhs.gov/measles.
