The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment announced on Monday the confirmation of two new measles cases within the state. These incidents have raised concerns among public health officials and the general public, given the highly contagious nature of measles and its potential for serious complications.

Details of the New Cases

First Case: El Paso County Child: The first confirmed case involves a young child under the age of five from El Paso County. According to health officials, the child recently traveled with family to Ontario, Canada, where a measles outbreak is currently ongoing. Although the child had received one dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, the single dose may not have provided full protection—highlighting the importance of completing the recommended two-dose vaccine regimen for optimal immunity.

Second Case: Arapahoe County Adult: The second case is an unvaccinated adult residing in Arapahoe County. Health officials reported that this individual was present at Denver International Airport on May 13, during the exposure period connected to an out-of-state traveler who flew while infectious. This marks the eighth confirmed measles case linked to that specific exposure period, underscoring the rapid spread of the virus in community settings.

Potential Exposure Locations and Timelines

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has identified several locations and time periods where individuals may have been exposed to measles. Anyone present at the following locations during the specified dates and times is urged to monitor for symptoms:

• Powers Pointe Urgent Care
  5607 Barnes Rd., Colorado Springs
  Date: Tuesday, June 3
  Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  Monitor for symptoms through: June 24
• HCA HealthONE Aurora (Medical Center of Aurora) Emergency Department
  1501 S. Potomac St., Aurora
  Date: Thursday, June 5
  Time: 4:55 to 10:05 p.m.
  Monitor for symptoms through: June 26
• Safeway
  1200 S. Buckley Rd., Aurora
  Date: Friday, June 6
  Time: 4:00 to 6:15 p.m.
  Monitor for symptoms through: June 27
• St. Francis Medical Center Emergency Department
  6001 E. Woodmen Rd., Colorado Springs
  Date: Saturday, June 7
  Time: 9:30 to 10:50 a.m.
  Monitor for symptoms through: June 28
• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital Emergency Department
  12605 E. 16th Ave., Aurora
  Date: Saturday, June 7
  Time: 2:00 to 4:10 p.m.
  Monitor for symptoms through: June 28

Recommended Actions for Exposed Individuals

Public health officials strongly recommend that anyone who was present at the listed locations during the specified times monitor themselves for symptoms for 21 days after the potential exposure. Symptoms to watch for include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a characteristic rash that typically begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body.

Individuals who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine are at higher risk and should be especially vigilant. The health department advises those who are unvaccinated to avoid public gatherings and high-risk settings during the monitoring period. Additionally, the MMR vaccine can be given within 72 hours after exposure to help prevent infection or reduce the severity of symptoms.

Importance of Vaccination and Community Protection

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment emphasizes that vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself, family, and the broader community against measles. “Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community,” the department stated. “Measles is highly contagious and can sometimes lead to serious health problems, but it is a vaccine-preventable disease.”

Even in rare breakthrough cases where vaccinated individuals contract measles, the illness is typically milder, and these individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. Public health officials urge all eligible individuals to ensure they are up to date with their MMR vaccinations to help curb the spread of measles and protect vulnerable populations.