A measles case has been confirmed in a Montezuma County child who had not received the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, together with the Montezuma County Public Health Agency, announced that the child developed symptoms after traveling to another state experiencing a measles outbreak. The agencies are alerting the public about possible exposures that may have occurred between November 5 and 11 in Cortez and Mancos.
Officials advise people in these areas to watch for symptoms of measles through December 4, especially if they have not been vaccinated with the MMR vaccine. They recommend avoiding public gatherings or high-risk settings during this period.
According to health officials: “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 MMR vaccine provides strong protection.”
People exposed to measles generally develop symptoms between seven and twenty-one days after exposure. Officials instruct anyone who develops symptoms to contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting any facility in person: “If you 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.”
More information about symptoms, transmission routes, vaccination recommendations for measles prevention as well as updates on exposure locations can be found at the CDPHE’s dedicated webpage.
