Pima County declares measles public health emergency

May 2, 5:22 PM EDT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Pima County officials have declared a public health emergency because of an ongoing measles outbreak.

Pima County Board chairman Richard Elias signed a declaration issued by the county's health department and the full board is expected to make the declaration official Tuesday.

Chief medical officer Dr. Michelle McDonald says the declaration opens the door to ask the state to possibly declare an emergency too - which could bring financial assistance.

There have been 17 confirmed cases since February and McDonald says state and federal authorities have been providing resources but more may be needed

Measles hasn't spread outside Pima County yet but more than 70 cases nationwide equal the worst outbreak in six years. Most are in unvaccinated children and traced to overseas outbreaks

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