Colorado health officials have confirmed a case of measles in an out-of-state resident and are informing the public about possible exposure sites in Almont and Gunnison. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the Gunnison Department of Health and Human Services issued the notification after identifying two locations where people may have been exposed.
“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,” CDPHE stated.
Officials listed Taylor Park Trading Post at 23044 Co Rd 742 in Almont as an exposure site for Saturday, July 12 between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., with symptoms possibly developing through August 2 for those exposed. Another location identified was Gunnison Valley Health Hospital at 711 N. Taylor St., Gunnison from Wednesday, July 16 through Thursday, July 17 between 3 p.m. and 10 a.m.; symptoms could appear through August 8 for those present during that time.
“Based on available information, anyone who was in the following locations during the dates and times listed may have been exposed to measles and should monitor for symptoms for 21 days after exposure and consider avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings. Monitoring for symptoms is especially critical for people who have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. MMR vaccine, given within 72 hours after exposure, can prevent or reduce the severity of infection. Immunoglobulin (IG), if administered within six days of exposure, may also be used in some circumstances. Locations will be updated, as necessary,” according to CDPHE.
The agencies advised that individuals typically develop symptoms seven to twenty-one days after exposure. “People exposed to measles typically develop symptoms 7 to 21 days after exposure. 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,” they said.
Additional information about measles symptoms, transmission routes, vaccination recommendations as well as updated lists of potential exposure sites are available on the official CDPHE measles webpage.
