Measles cases in Arizona raise concerns over indigenous immunization rates [Video]

TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) – The first confirmed cases of measles in Arizona this year are raising concerns about vaccination rates for indigenous populations.

The four cases reported Monday came from Navajo County, which is 65% reservation land. All four patients were not vaccinated and had recently traveled out of the country.

Indigenous populations have historically low vaccination rates, and are more susceptible to infection if an outbreak occurs. The work has already begun to get the tribes prepared for something like this.

“We’ve been dealing with a lot of vaccine hesitancy,” El Rio Health Infection Disease Physician Dr. Sudha Nagalingam said. “There’s a lot of misinformation out there as to how crucial vaccines are to prevent both morbidity and mortality.”

Arizona has been working for herd immunity of 95% against the measles virus. In Navajo County, it’s only at 80%, and Pima County is at 93%.

For some reservations across the state, it’s even lower.

“It’s unfortunate that in Indian country I think throughout Arizona, you’ll find that immunization rates are still below …