Super Bowl 2015: Health Officials to Keep an Eye out for Measles

By Cheri Cheng - 30 Jan '15 11:42AM

Arizona health officials are working hard to contain and prevent a measles outbreak from spreading ahead of Super Bowl XLIX.

The outbreak, which has been linked to two theme parks in California, could spread quickly, especially in the environment of thousands of cheering fans congregating at the University of Phoenix Stadium where the New England Patriots will take on the Seattle Seahawks.

Officials are currently monitoring 1,000 suspected cases in Arizona. All of the people were potentially exposed to the highly contagious virus after seven measles cases were confirmed within the state.

"This is a critical point in this outbreak," said Arizona Department of Health Services' Director Will Humble according to ABC News. "If the public health system and medical community are able to identify every single susceptible case and get them into isolation, we have a chance of stopping this outbreak here."

He added, "If we miss any potential cases and some of them go to a congregate setting with numerous susceptible contacts, we could be in for a long and protracted outbreak."

In an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading, health officials have advised unvaccinated people and children to stay out of public areas for 21 days. This includes skipping the Super Bowl, which will take place in Maricopa County where two of the cases were confirmed. Health officials are urging people to get vaccinated if they have not done so already.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the current outbreak has infected at least 84 people from 14 states. Measles is a highly contagious virus with an incubation period of 14 days. Initial symptoms of an infection are high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. These symptoms are typically followed by rash and red bumps.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the University of Arizona would enlist the help of students from the epidemiology program at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. The students will be on the look out for any potential measles cases.