Measles Strikes Again: What's Happening in Arizona?
Measles, a serious and highly contagious disease, has resurfaced in Arizona, this time within a detention center. A person held at the Florence Detention Center has been diagnosed with measles. The Department of Homeland Security shared this news, confirming the case with the Arizona Public Health Department.
Immediate Actions Taken
The detention center swiftly responded by:
- Halting all movement inside the facility.
- Quarantining individuals who may have come into contact with the infected person.
These measures aim to prevent further spread of the virus.
Additional Cases and Public Risk
Since the initial case, two more measles cases have been identified in Pinal County. Local health departments are collaborating with state partners, following standard health protocols. Currently, they assess the risk to the general public as low.
Detention Center Management
The Florence Detention Center is operated by CoreCivic, a private company that provides healthcare to detainees. Their services include:
- Screening
- Prevention
- Treatment
CoreCivic emphasizes that the health and safety of detainees is their top priority. They work with ICE and local hospitals to ensure proper care.
Historical Context and Rising Cases
This is not the first measles outbreak in the area. In 2016, an ICE detention center experienced a significant outbreak, affecting over 30 detainees and 9 staff members. So far this year, Arizona has reported 25 measles cases.
Nationwide, measles cases are on the rise. In 2023, there were 2,242 cases—the highest number since measles was declared eliminated in 2000. As of now, there have been at least 416 confirmed cases in 2024, a sharp increase from the pre-2025 average of about 180 cases per year.
