Governor Janet Napolitano has released an additional $350,000 from the State Health Crisis Fund to bolster the state's response to a measles outbreak in two Arizona counties.
Last month, the Governor allocated $50,000 to combat the outbreak that has sickened 22 people - 21 in Pima County & one in Pinal County.
"Local and state health officials, health care workers, first responders, & others are putting in a lot of long hours to protect our communities," Governor Napolitano said. "We must make sure they have all the resources necessary to fight this disease.”
The newest Executive Order - which allocates $350,000 - will pay for administering 10,000 vaccines to residents, & for additional lab supplies to ensure prompt measles testing at the Arizona State Health Laboratory. The funds will also pay for testing on nights & weekends.
The Arizona Department of Health Services is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, local health departments & physicians to help track suspected measles cases & to ensure those who come in contact with potentially infected individuals are fully vaccinated. To date, 6,000 potentially exposed individuals have required monitoring in Pima County. Before the current outbreak, Arizona 's last measles case was in 2005.
The latest measles outbreak shows the importance of ensuring everyone is protected against measles & other preventable diseases. Vaccination provides the best protection. The MMR vaccine may be able to prevent measles if the shot is given within 3 days of exposure to the disease. Already, more than 3,000 people have sought a free MMR vaccination through walk-in clinics. For information about clinic hours in Pima County, call (520) 243-7797. In Pinal County, call the Pinal County Citizen Contact Center at (520) 509-3555 or toll-free at 888-431-1311, or visit for clinic locations.
Measles is a highly contagious virus that spreads easily through the air. It is particularly dangerous for infants, those who have compromised immune systems, & those who have never been vaccinated. Symptoms can include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes & a rash.
If you believe you may have the measles, it is important to call your health provider & local health department first, before you proceed to a health care facility. That way, your provider can prepare & help prevent further spread of the infection. For more information, call the state's public health hotline at 1-800-314-9243.
Information about measles is also available from the measles section from the Arizona Department of Health Services at, & from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.