A graph is worth a thousand words.
2025 saw a profound spike in the number of reported measles cases in Arizona, to well over 200.
Consider that from 1992 to 2024, the number of reported cases per year never came close to 50.
Unfortunately, the recent measles outbreak, caused in large part by the vaccine denialism and long termist-eugenics world view of Science Denier Donald Trump and Health and Human Disservices Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, that has surfaced in other parts of the nation as well, is probably going to get worse in 2026.
Reports of this fully preventable disease materializing this year have occurred in places like East Mesa, Gilbert, Sky Harbor Airport, Tucson, and at the Florence Detention Center.
So far, there have already been 34 measles cases reported.
According to KJZZ, if a person is not vaccinated, there is a 90 percent chance of getting the disease.
Reacting to the news of the rise in measles cases in Arizona, Governor Katie Hobbs posted on social media:
“I’m extremely concerned about the rise in measles cases in Arizona and the recent exposure at Sky Harbor. Measles is highly contagious but preventable. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to be vaccinated.
@AZDHS is in close communication with local health departments, supporting counties with case investigation, contact tracing, laboratory testing, school guidance, and public health expertise, while aligning with federal partners on surveillance and response. We are focused on reducing spread and helping Arizonans stay healthy.”
Democratic Senate Leader Priya Sundareshan voiced her concerns about the rise in measles cases, commenting to Blog for Arizona:
“Republicans and the Trump Administration are promoting anti-science falsehoods that have reduced trust in vaccines and in the expertise of our medical community. They are destroying America’s leadership in science and technology. Measles outbreaks are the result of these anti-vaccine falsehoods, and now these are coming home to hit communities here in Arizona. Everyone should get vaccinated immediately if they can. As long as Republicans continue to be in control of government, they will govern us right into the Dark Ages.”
Democratic House Leader Oscar De Los Santos also expressed his worry of the measle case rise, telling Blog for Arizona:
“This is scary news, and we appreciate local, county, and state health authorities who are responding. Arizonans should get themselves and their children vaccinated. But unfortunately, misinformation and vaccine denialism and skepticism from RFK Jr. and the highest reaches of government are going to make situations like this far more common and dangerous for us all. Instead of spreading vaccine conspiracy theories, Republicans in Arizona should quit parroting MAHA nonsense and focus on building an Arizona we can afford.”
In a letter to the Department of Homeland Insecurity, Arizona’s Democratic Congressional Delegation (Representatives Yassamin Ansari, Representative Adelita Grijalva, Representative Greg Stanton, Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Ruben Gallego) demanded answers concerning the health status and condition of the people affected with measles, writing:
“We are greatly concerned about the health risk to detained individuals, detention center staff, and the broader community. Measles is a highly contagious disease that can spread rapidly in congregate settings. It is critical that your agencies act swiftly, transparently, and in coordination with federal, state, and local public health authorities to
contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.”
According to reporting from AZ Family, the measles cases in Gilbert no longer pose a public health safety risk.
That is not the case yet for the reported exposure in East Mesa, Sky Harbor, and the Florence Detention Center, and it may take 21 days to totally rule out further spread in those areas.
Symptoms to watch out for are:
- High fever above 101 degrees
- Red, watery eyes
- Cough
- Runny nose
- A red, raised, and blotchy rash. The rash typically starts after other symptoms and usually appears on the face or hairline, and moves down the body.
Governor Hobbs is right on the best course of prevention. Get vaccinated.
People who like to live should not pay attention to science-denying and worms in the head, make the breed stronger fanatics in the Executive Branch who say getting them should be optional and at your discretion.
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