FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 11, 2025

HOLBROOK, AZ — The Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), continues to monitor four confirmed measles cases reported in Navajo County. At this time there are no new cases to report.

The original cases, identified earlier this week, involved individuals who were not immunized and had recent international travel history. All four individuals were exposed through a single source, and these remain the only confirmed measles cases in both Navajo County and the State of Arizona in 2025.

NCPHSD continues to work closely with ADHS and healthcare partners to monitor these cases and provide necessary support.

What You Need to Know About Measles and Immunity

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to serious health complications, particularly in young children, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems. The most effective protection against measles is the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) immunization.

Individuals who are uncertain about their immunity can request a measles titer test from their healthcare provider or the Navajo County Public Health Services District. A titer test is a simple blood test that measures the presence and level of measles-specific antibodies in the blood. If the test shows a positive (protective) antibody level, it indicates that the individual is immune, either due to prior immunization or past infection. If the result is negative or unclear, the person may not be fully protected and should consider getting immunized.

Titer tests are especially useful for:

• Adults who do not have access to their immunization records,
• Students or employees who must verify immunity for school or work,
• Travelers heading to countries with ongoing outbreaks,
• Healthcare workers and first responders,
• Individuals with special medical circumstances who require immunity confirmation.

Titer testing offers a safe and reliable way to confirm protection without unnecessary reimmunization. Most healthcare providers and laboratories offer this service, and it may be covered by insurance depending on the circumstances.

What You Can Do

• Check your immunization status. Talk to your healthcare provider about your immunization history or getting a titer test.
• Stay informed. Follow updates from NCPHSD and ADHS for the latest public health guidance.
• Protect your community. Measles is preventable. Immunization and immunity testing are key tools in stopping its spread.

NCPHSD remains committed to protecting the health and safety of all Navajo County residents and encourages everyone to take proactive steps to ensure they are protected against immunization-preventable diseases.

For more information about measles, titer testing, or immunization services:

Visit azhealth.gov/measles for details on symptoms, transmission, and vaccination.

Contact your healthcare provider or visit the Navajo County Public Health Services District website at https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/309/Public-Health-Services or call 928-532-6050 for immunizations, information or additional guidance.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 9, 2025

Navajo County, AZ — The Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD), in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS), has confirmed four cases of measles within Navajo County. The individuals were not immunized and have a recent history of international travel. All individuals were exposed through a single source. These mark the first confirmed measles cases in both Navajo County and the state of Arizona in 2025.

Public health officials are actively working to identify locations where potential exposure may have occurred and are in the process of notifying individuals who may have been exposed. Those identified will be advised to monitor for symptoms for 21 days following the exposure period and to consider avoiding public spaces or high-risk environments during that time.

Potential exposure dates: May 17–28, 2025

Unvaccinated individuals, particularly those who may have been exposed, are urged to be vigilant in monitoring for early symptoms of measles, which typically appear 7–14 days after exposure.

Common symptoms include:

• High fever (over 101°F)
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Red or watery eyes
• Rash beginning at the head and spreading downward

“Staff at NCPHSD are working closely with ADHS to monitor these cases and any additional that may arise,” said Janelle Linn, Director of Navajo County Public Health Services District. “Anyone who believes they may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms consistent with measles should contact their healthcare provider immediately for evaluation and testing.”

Measles: A Serious, Preventable Disease

Getting immunized is the most effective way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from measles — a highly contagious and potentially deadly disease that is easily spread among those who are not immunized.

Measles is more than just a childhood illness—it can lead to serious health complications. About 1 in 5 people in the U.S. who contract measles require hospitalization, and in rare cases, severe complications can be life-threatening for young children.

These outcomes are preventable. More than 99% of individuals who receive both recommended doses of the MMR immunization develop long-term immunity.

The measles vaccine is safe, proven, and lifesaving. Protect your health and the health of those around you — don’t wait to immunize.

 If You Suspect Measles:

• Call ahead. If you believe you may have measles, contact your healthcare provider before visiting to avoid exposing others.
• No primary care provider? Call your nearest hospital emergency department or urgent care center before arriving.

For More Information:

• Visit azhealth.gov/measles for details on symptoms, transmission, and vaccination.
• Contact your healthcare provider or visit the Navajo County Public Health Services District website at https://www.navajocountyaz.gov/309/Public-Health-Services or call 928-532-6050 for immunizations, information or additional guidance.

Greer Fire Daily Update May 21, 2025: Suppression repair well underway as containment increases

Acres: 20,308 Start

Date: May 13, 2025

Location: Greer, AZ

Cause: Under Investigation

Personnel: Approximately 513

Fuels: Grass, Shrubs, Timber

Containment: 88 percent

Highlights: Mandatory evacuation orders were lifted Monday night as containment increases along the fire.

Operations: Yesterday, milder winds helped firefighters secure more of the fire’s eastern edge. As a result, additional containment has been reflected on the map, and fire managers remain confident that the fire will stay within its current footprint. Today, firefighters continue to patrol and mop up remaining hotspots, with a focus on Division Romeo in the southern section. Suppression repair is also ongoing along all edges of the fire, including chipping remaining debris left from line preparation during last week’s firing operations.

Weather: Gradual warming and drying is expected to continue over the fire for the next few days, with the warmest day of the period coming on Thursday. Winds will be weaker, with gusts to around 25 mph on Wednesday and Thursday.

Smoke: Smoke forecast at https://www.azdeq.gov/wildfire/forecast/greerfire

Closures: The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest has issued a closure order for parts of the National Forest lands. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are also in effect prohibiting fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal briquettes and smoking.

Highway 260 is open in both directions. For updated travel information: az511.com

Evacuations: All GO evacuation status’ have been decreased to SET.

To check current evacuation statuses, an interactive evacuation map is available from the QR code below. https://linktr.ee/GreerFire

Safety: We encourage the public to remember that a temporary flight restriction has been issued over the fire area. It is illegal to fly drones within the area.

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