Colorado public health officials have confirmed a measles case in an out-of-state visitor and have identified potential exposure sites in Chaffee County. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Chaffee County Public Health are notifying the public about possible exposure to the disease.
The agencies report that anyone who visited Monarch Mountain at the Crest Gift Shop, located at 24500 US-50, Salida, CO 81201, on Friday, July 25 between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., may have been exposed to measles. People present during this time should monitor themselves for symptoms through August 15.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can cause serious health issues but is preventable through vaccination. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and a rash that starts on the face before spreading. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine provides strong protection against infection.
“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.”
Health officials advise people who may have been exposed to watch for symptoms for up to 21 days after the potential contact date. Those without MMR vaccination should be especially cautious about attending public gatherings or entering high-risk settings.
“Based on available information, anyone who was in the following locations during the dates and times listed may have been exposed to measles. People who have been exposed 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. Locations will be updated, as necessary.”
If you were present at any of these locations during the specified time frame and begin feeling ill with symptoms such as those described above within three weeks of possible exposure, officials recommend contacting your healthcare provider by phone before visiting their office or an emergency department.
“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.”
For more information on measles symptoms or updates about potential exposure sites in Colorado visit CDPHE’s dedicated page.
