The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Adams County Health Department have confirmed a measles case in a child under five years old from Adams County. The child, who was not vaccinated with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, traveled with their family to Chihuahua, Mexico, where a measles outbreak is ongoing. The child is currently hospitalized.
Measles is known for being highly contagious but can be prevented through vaccination. Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective way to protect individuals and communities from the disease.
Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and red eyes. A rash typically appears several days after these initial symptoms, starting on the face and spreading across the body. For those who have not received the MMR vaccine, it is possible to get vaccinated within 72 hours of exposure to help prevent illness. In some cases, immunoglobulin given within six days may also reduce or prevent illness.
Officials identified one potential exposure site: Children’s Hospital Colorado Emergency Department at 13123 E. 16th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045. Individuals who were present at this location on Tuesday, Aug. 12 between 6:36 p.m. and 10:16 p.m. may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms through Sept. 2.
Anyone who develops symptoms after possible exposure should contact their health care provider before visiting a medical facility to help prevent further spread of the disease.
Further information about symptoms, transmission, vaccine recommendations, current case details in Colorado for 2025, and an updated list of exposure locations can be found on the CDPHE measles webpage.
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