The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment have confirmed a measles case in a school-aged child residing in Weld County. According to officials, the child had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and developed symptoms after traveling to another state where there is an ongoing measles outbreak. Authorities stated that there are no known public exposure locations related to this case.
Additionally, CDPHE and the Montezuma County Public Health Department have identified two more measles cases in Montezuma County. The affected individuals are unvaccinated household contacts of a previously confirmed case. Both have remained in quarantine during their infectious period, so no public exposure locations are linked to these cases either.
Dr. Rachel Herlihy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and State Epidemiologist, emphasized the importance of vaccination during the holiday season: “With the holiday season in full swing, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community from measles,” she said. “Holiday gatherings often involve close contact indoors and travel to see family and friends, creating an environment where measles can spread easily. Ensuring you are up to date on the MMR vaccine is critical to protecting vulnerable loved ones you may visit, including infants too young to be vaccinated and family members with weakened immune systems.”
Measles is described as highly contagious but preventable through vaccination. Symptoms generally include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash starting on the face that spreads further.
Health officials advise those who may have been exposed or who develop symptoms within 7 to 21 days after possible exposure to contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting any medical facility. This measure aims to reduce further exposures.
More information about symptoms, transmission routes, vaccine recommendations for measles as well as current case details can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
