The Pinal County Public Health Services District has confirmed that a person infectious with measles visited a Coolidge restaurant on June 25, potentially exposing anyone who was there during a specific window of time.

The exposure occurred at the Wendy's at 1120 N. Arizona Blvd. in Coolidge between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Health officials said the case did not reside in Pinal County. Anyone unvaccinated or unsure of their vaccination status who was at that location during that window should call the health district at 520-866-7281.

Officials said the listed window already accounts for an additional two hours after the infectious person left, since the measles virus can remain in the air during that time.

As of publication, the Arizona Department of Health Services was reporting nine measles cases in Pinal County.

What the Health District Said

"We have already contacted the place of business this case visited," Pinal County Public Health Director Merissa Mendoza said. "This business is assisting the health district by placing signs at their entrances to inform customers and employees that they could have been exposed if they were in this location during this specific date and time."

What to Watch For

Measles starts with a fever of 101 degrees or higher, red and watery eyes, a cough and a runny nose. A red, raised, blotchy rash follows, starting at the hairline and spreading down the body. The rash can last five to six days before turning brownish.

Symptoms typically appear seven to 12 days after exposure but can take up to 21 days to show up. Health officials are asking anyone who was at the Coolidge Wendy's during the exposure window to watch for fever and unexplained rash through Thursday, July 16, 2026. A person with measles can spread the virus starting four days before the rash appears through four days after it appears — meaning someone can be contagious before they know they're sick.

Anyone who develops symptoms should stay home, call a health care provider immediately, and mention the possible measles exposure so the provider can notify the health district at 520-866-7281.

Vaccination Is the Best Protection

Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide full protection. People who have not been vaccinated, or who have received only one dose, should get vaccinated right away — it takes about two weeks to build immunity. Unvaccinated people who are exposed to measles have a 90% chance of becoming infected, according to the health district. There is no treatment for measles, only supportive care for symptoms, and in rare cases it can be fatal.

Residents can check with their health care provider or local pharmacy about MMR vaccine availability. The Pinal County Public Health Services District also has MMR vaccine available for both children and adults. Find a clinic at pinal.gov/1390/Find-A-Clinic or call 866-960-0633. More information on measles is available at azdhs.gov, and more on the health district is available at pinal.gov/PublicHealth.