Maricopa County warns of measles exposure at Surprise Walmart

Maricopa County Public Health identified a possible measles exposure at the Walmart at 13770 W. Bell Road in Surprise involving people who were at the store Sunday, July 12, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The county posted the notice July 17 and last updated it July 18. The notice listed Sunday, August 2, as the end of the symptom-monitoring period, so that deadline has passed as of Tuesday, August 4, and should not be treated as an ongoing exposure alert.

What Surprise visitors were told to do

People who were at the Walmart during the listed four-hour window were advised to check their immunization records and consult a health care provider if their measles, mumps and rubella vaccination protection is uncertain or incomplete.

The county identified symptoms to watch for as a high fever above 101 degrees, red or watery eyes, cough, runny nose and a red, raised, blotchy rash. The county said symptoms typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but may take up to 21 days.

The notice describes the Walmart visit as a possible exposure. It does not establish that every visitor was infected or that the store caused transmission.

What to do if symptoms develop

Anyone who develops symptoms after a possible exposure should stay home and call a health care provider before arriving for care. Callers should identify the possible measles exposure so the provider can give instructions that help protect other patients and staff.

Some exposed people, including certain infants, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, may qualify for post-exposure prophylaxis. People in those groups should contact a health care provider for guidance.

County case total in the notice

Maricopa County reported 21 confirmed measles cases in 2026 as of its July 17 notice, including seven new cases associated with the cluster described in the announcement. The county said that was significantly higher than its reported average of one case per year over the previous 30 years.

Residents can review immunization records through Arizona’s myIR system. The county notice also listed assistance through the Maricopa County Public Health CARES Team at 602-506-6767, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and directed residents to low- and no-cost vaccine resources. People who are unsure whether they have the recommended MMR doses should contact a health care provider.

Sources

• Maricopa County Public Health exposure notice
• Arizona's Family report
• Arizona Department of Health Services myIR