Colorado public health officials have confirmed a case of measles in a visitor from out of state who traveled to Huerfano County. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Las Animas-Huerfano Counties District Health Department are alerting the public about possible exposure locations in Southern Colorado.
Officials state that vaccination is the most effective way to protect against measles. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community. Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems, but it is a vaccine-preventable disease. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that usually starts several days later on the face and spreads. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection.”
Based on current information, individuals who were at certain locations during specified times may have been exposed to measles. The Ranch House Inn at 1012 Cherry St., La Veta, CO 81055 was identified as an exposure site from October 12 to 15. Another location is the La Veta Country Store (Valero) at 200 N Main St., La Veta, CO 81055 on Monday, October 13 between 8 and 11 a.m. People exposed at these places should watch for symptoms for up to 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring is especially important for those not vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. Officials note there may be additional exposure sites yet to be confirmed.
“If you were at any of these locations during the exposure window and develop symptoms, immediately contact your health care provider by phone. If you do not have a provider, call an urgent care center or emergency department and explain that you may have been exposed to measles. Calling ahead helps prevent additional exposures.”
Further information about symptoms, transmission methods, vaccine recommendations, details on this case in Colorado in 2025, and updates on exposure locations can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
