Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

An illustration of a spherical-shaped, measles virus particle.

The Maricopa County Department of Public Health confirmed a measles case Saturday from an international visitor as cases of the highly infectious disease rise across the U.S. and overseas. Officials became notified of the matter through routine lab reporting.

Nick Staab is the department’s assistant medical director.

“It's very easy to spread. So we certainly are concerned about additional cases, and that is why we are working to investigate this particular case and know more about the exposure so that we can best inform the public,” he said.

The measles virus can survive in the air for hours and can spread to unvaccinated people long after an infected individual has left a room. Symptoms include fever, runny nose and a rash.

Staab says staying up to date with vaccinations is important